MIRAGE SOFT STEEL T4 .12/70 35 G

Mirage Soft Steel T4 is a lead-free 12/70 hunting cartridge loaded with 35 g of soft steel shot. It is the heavier alternative to the T4 32 g cartridge and contains a greater number of pellets. According to the manufacturer’s comparison, the 35 g version provides approximately 15 m of additional range while maintaining balanced ballistic performance and effective penetration.

Suitable for use

• Steel-compatible shotguns chambered for 12/70 cartridges

• Duck and goose hunting

• General waterfowl hunting

• Wood-pigeon and pigeon hunting

• Woodcock and snipe hunting where permitted

• Wetlands and other areas where lead shot is restricted

• Hunters seeking a heavier steel load in a 12/70 cartridge

• Situations where more pellets are preferred than in a 32 g load

Why choose Mirage Soft Steel T4 35 g?

• 35 g soft-steel shot load

• Lead-free alternative to traditional lead shot

• Available in shot sizes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

• More pellets than the T4 32 g version

• Approximately 15 m more range than the 32 g version, according to the manufacturer

• 12/70 format suitable for many modern hunting shotguns

• High 22 mm metal head

• Designed to balance ballistic performance with penetration

• Packed in boxes of 25 cartridges

Technical specifications

• Cartridge type: Smoothbore hunting cartridge

• Gauge: 12

• Case length: 70 mm

• Shot weight: 35 g

• Shot material: Soft steel

• Available shot sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

• Head height: 22 mm

• Lead in shot load: No

• Intended application: Waterfowl and other lawful hunting

• Muzzle velocity: No numerical value published on the official product page

• Pressure: No numerical value published on the official product page

• Box quantity: 25 cartridges

• Outer-case quantity: 250 cartridges

Frequently asked questions

Is this cartridge suitable for every 12/70 shotgun?

Not necessarily. In addition to having a 12/70 chamber, the shotgun must be suitable for the relevant steel-shot load. Check the firearm’s manual, proof marks and choke restrictions. Compatibility with an older shotgun should be confirmed with its manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith.

Can this 12/70 cartridge be used in a 12/76 shotgun?

A 12/70 cartridge can generally be used in a shotgun with a 12/76 chamber of the same gauge. The firearm and fitted choke must still be approved for steel shot, and all instructions supplied by the firearm manufacturer must be followed.

How does the 35 g version differ from the T4 32 g cartridge?

The 35 g version contains more pellets. Clever states that it provides approximately 15 m of additional range compared with the 32 g version, although this is a comparative manufacturer claim. Actual results depend on pellet size, shotgun, choke and conditions. The heavier load may also produce more recoil.

Which choke can be used with steel shot?

Use only a choke approved for steel shot by the firearm and choke manufacturers. Steel pellets are harder and deform less than lead pellets, so they may produce a tighter pattern through the same nominal choke. Permitted constriction depends on the shotgun, choke and pellet size.

Which shot size should be selected?

Shot size 1 uses larger pellets than shot size 5. Larger pellets retain energy more effectively but are fewer in number, while smaller pellets provide a higher pellet count and may create a denser pattern. Selection should reflect the quarry, distance, choke and applicable regulations.

Is the cartridge completely lead-free?

The shot load consists of soft steel and contains no lead pellets. The manufacturer lists the cartridge in its Steel & Lead Free range. The ammunition must still comply with the specific rules applying to the hunting area and country of use.

Is the stated additional 15 m a guaranteed shooting distance?

No. It is a comparison with the T4 32 g version, not a universal or guaranteed maximum hunting distance. Practical range must be established from the pattern density produced by the individual shotgun and choke, the selected pellet size and the actual hunting conditions.

When is Mirage Soft Steel T4 35 g the right choice?

This cartridge suits the owner of a steel-compatible 12/70 shotgun who wants more pellets than a conventional 32 g load. Its five available shot sizes allow the ammunition to be matched to different conditions and lawful quarry.

The 32 g version may be more comfortable when reduced recoil or shorter working distances are the priority. If the shotgun’s suitability for steel shot cannot be confirmed, ammunition meeting the firearm manufacturer’s requirements must be selected instead.

Expert recommendation

Inspect the chamber and proof markings on the shotgun before use and confirm that the installed choke is also approved for steel shot. A 12/70 marking confirms the chamber length but does not automatically mean that the firearm is suitable for every steel-shot load.

Pattern the selected pellet size and choke combination on paper at a realistic hunting distance. Steel shot can produce a different pattern density and distribution from lead. Clean and dry the firearm thoroughly after exposure to wet or saltwater conditions.

A heavier lead-free load for 12/70 shotguns

Mirage Soft Steel T4 combines a 12/70 case, 35 g of soft steel shot and a choice of shot sizes from 1 to 5. It is a practical option for hunters using a compatible shotgun who need a lead-free load with more pellets than the 32 g version.