Steel shot does not compress like lead does. It is not recommended to shoot steel through chokes tighter than modified. End result could be a bulged barrel, or worse. If you are talking about an o/u or sxs, you could end up with separated barrels/ribs.

 

Thanks for the tip, RKB!
I don't believe chrome lined barrels for small bore rifled guns is necessary for accuracy, and especially a S/G.
The chamber is a different story. They tend to rust if not chrome-lined.

 

My BT99's chamber will rust on a dry day if you just look at it and say 'moisture!'

 

RKB has given you correct advise

 

Could a chrome lined barrel's choke be opened up from full to modified and still be safe with steel?

 

john...in order to open a choke, it requires cutting. whatever chrome was lined where it gets cut, goes away.
chrome lined bores exist to keep the bore from being scratched by steel shot. if you cut out the choke, when it hits the area w/o chrome, it will scratch.
most people with chrome lined bores have choke tubes installed, eliminating an area not chromed.

 

john....to help you understand the steel thing,
picture steel shot as rocks.
picture lead shot as clay.

put clay in a meat grinder and push/crank it thru.
now...take rocks and push it thru.
the meat grinder is the choke.

see?

 

I have never understood the feds and states regulations on lead shot. Basically these guys are saying that lead is bad for the environment and animals.
No $hit Sherlock!
High velocity lead tends to perforate the target.
What I doubt is the value of the EPA's lead ammunition regulations designed to improve the environment. This was never an issue in the first place as lead is a natural and plentiful element in our ecology.
I am getting sick and tired of federal bureaucrats making arbitrary regulations without a clue as to the real issues of the situation.