Hey guys,
I bought a Hastings Turkey choke tube years ago before I started turkey hunting. The choke tube says “Use only Lead shot” I am wondering if I can use hevi-shot which is neither lead nor steel through this tube? Any thoughts?
I’m going with no…..I’m sure you can’t but could be wrong.
I don’t know if I would want to risk it. 
I do not know the answer to your question but I would ask your local gun smith or a reputable gun dealer in your area to be on the safe side.
You probably can but I doubt it will pattern very well Trust me I know
Quote:
Hey guys,
I bought a Hastings Turkey choke tube years ago before I started turkey hunting. The choke tube says “Use only Lead shot” I am wondering if I can use hevi-shot which is neither lead nor steel through this tube? Any thoughts?
Great question, and everything I’ve ever read or have asked reps has suggested – use at your own risk. It should work fine, esp. for turkeys. You shoot your gun literally a handful of times each year, and typical damage to a choke tube from steel or hevi shot is scoring. For example, my gun’s choke is not rated for steel or hevi-shot, but I’ve used it for years with little to no signs of use/abuse. Most of those recommendations are for waterfowlers who’d put dozens of rounds a day through a gun with an unapproved choke. That said, you’re still taking a risk, it’s just a calculated one.
At the same time, if it’s overchoked (constrictions 0.665 or less), you’re just going to hurt your pattern anyway. In that scenario I’d look into a different choke.
Joel
Thanks for the advice guys. I sighted/patterned the gun on Monday. The modified choke and hevi-shot patterned really well at 30 yards, but was unacceptable at 40 yards. The hevi-shot with the turkey choke (i know i was taking a chance) at 30 and 40 yards just opened the pattern. I decided to use lead shot with the turkey choke, this gave me the best patterns. Now all I need is to get one closer than 40 yards… 
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