RC STEEL T3 ATOMIC LINE HP .12/70 34 G

RC Steel T3 Atomic Line HP is a high-performance 12/70 hunting cartridge loaded with 34 g . Its pellets measure 3,05-3.3 mm in diameter, making the cartridge suitable for lawful hunting where lead-free steel shot is required. The HP designation means that it must be used only in a firearm approved for high-performance steel-shot ammunition.

Suitable for use

• 12/70 shotguns approved for high-performance steel shot

• Waterfowl hunting

• Duck and goose hunting

• Wetland use

• Areas where lead shot is restricted

• Hunters who prefer 3.3 mm steel pellets

• Applications requiring a 34 g steel-shot load

• Lawful hunting for which No. 3 steel shot is appropriate

Why choose RC Steel T3 Atomic Line HP?

• 34 g steel-shot load

• Lead-free alternative to traditional lead shot

• High-performance HP load

• 12/70 cartridge format

• 16 mm metal head

• Pellet size balancing shot count with retained energy

• Suitable for hunting areas where lead shot is restricted

• Packed in boxes of 25 cartridges

Technical specifications

• Cartridge type: Smoothbore hunting cartridge

• Performance class: High Performance / HP

• Gauge: 12

• Case length: 70 mm

• Head height: 16 mm

• Shot weight: 34 g

• Shot material: Steel

• Lead in shot load: No

• Case colour: Green

• Muzzle velocity: No numerical value published on the retailer’s product page

• Pressure: No numerical value published on the retailer’s product page

• Box quantity: 25 cartridges

• Outer-case quantity: 250 cartridges

Frequently asked questions

Is this cartridge suitable for every 12/70 shotgun?

No. This is an HP-class high-performance steel-shot cartridge. In addition to having a 12/70 chamber, the shotgun must be approved for high-performance steel shot. Check the firearm’s manual and proof marks before use.

What does HP mean?

HP stands for High Performance. The pressure and shot parameters of an HP steel load may exceed those permitted for standard steel-shot ammunition, so the cartridge must be used in a firearm carrying the appropriate steel-shot proof.

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. However, both the firearm and fitted choke must be approved for HP steel shot. A longer chamber alone does not confirm compatibility.

What is 3.3 mm steel shot suitable for?

No. 3 shot with a diameter of 3.3 mm provides a medium-sized steel pellet. It retains energy better than smaller shot while allowing more pellets in a 34 g load than larger shot sizes. Suitability still depends on the quarry, distance and applicable regulations.

Which choke can be used with this cartridge?

Use only a choke approved by the firearm or choke manufacturer for high-performance steel shot and 3.3 mm pellets. Steel is harder than lead and does not deform in the same way, so additional choke restrictions may apply.

Does steel shot produce the same pattern as lead shot?

Not necessarily. Steel is lighter and harder than lead and can produce a tighter or differently distributed pattern through the same nominal choke. Pattern testing with the individual shotgun and choke is therefore essential.

Is this a lead-free cartridge?

Its 34 g shot load consists of steel and contains no lead pellets. It is therefore suitable for areas where lead shot is prohibited, provided that all other local ammunition requirements are also met.

When is RC Steel T3 Atomic Line HP the right choice?

This cartridge is intended for hunters who own a 12/70 or longer-chambered shotgun approved for HP steel shot and require a 34 g lead-free load. No. 3 shot with a diameter of 3.3 mm is a practical choice for waterfowl and other lawful uses requiring medium-sized steel pellets.

The HP load may not be suitable for an older shotgun or one carrying only standard steel-shot markings. In that situation, select standard-performance ammunition matching the firearm’s proof status or confirm compatibility with its manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith.

Expert recommendation

Before use, confirm that the shotgun carries the required proof for high-performance steel shot. Inspect the fitted choke as well, because a steel-compatible shotgun does not automatically make every choke or constriction suitable.

Pattern the cartridge on paper at the distance normally encountered in the field. Check the pattern’s centre, uniformity and coverage. A 34 g HP load may produce more felt recoil than a lighter cartridge, so a secure shooting position and consistent gun mount are also important.

High-performance lead-free steel ammunition

RC Steel T3 Atomic Line HP combines a 12/70 case, 34 g of steel shot and 3.3 mm pellets. It is intended for a properly steel-proofed shotgun when lead-free ammunition and the performance of an HP load are required.