Waterfowlers wonder which choke tubes are safe to use with the tungsten-based pellets in today's factory loads. To find out, I set up a hands-on, real-time test including several different types of chokes matched to different types of tungsten shot.

Modern choke tubes are more than capable of taming tungsten loads.

In general, tungsten and its density -- regardless of pellet size -- won't require as much choke constriction to obtain quality pattern at average shooting ranges (35 to 45 yards). A 30-inch circle can be filled out nicely with a modified choke. But when payloads driven through a factory modified choke push past 45 yards, patterns are less reliable. Even a tightly constricted turkey choke can leave a messy pattern by the 47-yard marker. What takes place is debatable, but for the most part, the core pattern (inner 20-inch circle) becomes quite thin. As a result, not many pellets are left to fill out the longer-range pattern, which has become stressed by extended range.

For choking waterfowl shotguns, the basic program of turkey hunters and ultra-tight chokes goes out the door -- duck and goose hunters need a more open pattern. Shooting grapefruit-size balls of shot at 50 yards is not the ideal duck hunter's payload control.

Hunters want extended range, and Hevi-Shot, Winchester Xtended, Remington HD or other variations of tungsten deliver raw energy at extreme distances. Uniform 30-inch patterns near 100 percent at 40 yards are the goal for an effective waterfowl load.

Pattern Testing
My testing was conducted with a Winchester Super X3 and a Remington 870 Express chambering two different chokes. I used pattern boards for percentage of on-target evaluation. All testing was done at 40 yards -- the standard pattern test and review range used by the shooting industry. See the table for the results.

Without question, these results will not occur with standard steel shot at the frequency illustrated by these choke tube systems, because the tubes were hand picked for performance and the material is high-density tungsten, which flies true no matter the shape.

Tungsten Tube Rules
Several elements are required for a solid performing tungsten choke tube. I follow five rules when taking tungsten into the field.

Rule 1: Make sure the tube you're using is steel shot and tungsten/iron safe. That means a 7-14 stainless or a special hard steel construction. Check the packaging when you buy the choke.

Rule 2: Always try your steel-safe factory modified choke before buying an aftermarket tube, because it could be perfect for your gun/choke combinations. Modified chokes will react like a full choke with tungsten.

Rule 3: When buying a replacement choke for tungsten shot, select a choke tube that extends beyond the muzzle. In most cases, the "work" happens in the end section of the choke, and relieves the stress against your gun barrel when ultra-hard tungsten shot passes into the choke's forcing cone and becomes constricted under pressure.

Rule 4: Price is not the final indicator regarding how well a choke tube will perform. Many good chokes today are selling for less than $50. Even choke tubes in the $30 range can perform well with tungsten shot.