Ways to Improve Shooting with Steel Shot

Use tested steel shotshell loads.

• Make sure you buy the appropriate size steel shotshells.
• Review the chart “Proven Steel Shot Loads for Waterfowl” published by the Cooperative North American Shotgunning Education Program.

Pattern your shotgun.

• Shotguns pattern differently depending on the type of shot as well as other factors.
• Pattern testing helps you find the maximum effective range for your shotgun.

Adjust your gun and practice shooting.

• Gun fit, mounting, swing speed, and forward allowance are critical to shooting success.
• Be sure your gun is properly adjusted.
• Practice shooting at moving targets throughout the year.

Learn your necessary forward allowance—the air space needed to make consistent, clean hits.

• Forward allowance looks different for each person based on a number of factors.
• This is necessary to shoot at any practical distance.

Practice with the same loads you use when hunting. Using different loads when practicing or hunting makes learning difficult.