S&B .12/70 STEEL SHOTS 28 G CARTRIDGE

S&B 12/70 Steel Shots 28 g is a lead-free steel shot hunting cartridge for use in areas where non-toxic shot material is required. The fast 420 m/s load, 28-gram shot weight, and three selectable shot sizes allow you to match the cartridge to your firearm, hunting conditions, and the required shot pattern.

Suitable for use with

• 12/70 gauge smoothbore firearms

• Areas requiring lead-free shot

• Complying with hunting regulations in wetlands

• Bird hunting

• Small game hunting

• Hunters who prefer a fast 28-gram steel shot load

• Testing different steel shot sizes

• Checking the shot pattern on a target

• 12/76 gauge firearms, if the firearm manufacturer allows the use of 12/70 ammunition

• For 3.81 and 4.06 mm variants, only in firearms with the proper Steel Shot marking

Why choose S&B 12/70 Steel Shots 28 g?

• Lead-free steel shot load

• Suitable for areas where lead shot use is restricted

• Three selectable shot sizes

• 28-gram shot load

• Manufacturer-stated velocity 420 m/s

• Plastic shot container

• Star crimp

• 12.5 mm high metal base

• Standard 12/70 cartridge

• 25 cartridges per box

• Each shot size has a separate product code

Technical data

• Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot

• Product family: Steel Shots 28

• Product family code: V0669X2

• Gauge: 12/70

• Cartridge type: steel shot cartridge

• Shot material: steel

• Lead-free shot load: yes

• Shot load weight: 28 g

• Selectable shot sizes: 3.30 / 3.81 / 4.06 mm

• Manufacturer-stated velocity: 420 m/s

• Container material: plastic

• Closure: star crimp

• Metal base height: 12.5 mm

• Required chamber length: at least 70 mm

• Main intended use: hunting in areas where lead-free shot is required

• Cartridges per box: 25

Selectable shot sizes

3.30 mm

• The smallest shot currently in the manufacturer's range

• Highest number of pellets in the 28-gram load

• Allows for a denser shot pattern compared to the other two variants

• The manufacturer does not require a firearm with a specific Steel Shot marking for this variant

• Nevertheless, always check firearm and choke compatibility in the user manual

3.81 mm

• The medium option among the three shot sizes

• Each pellet is heavier than in the 3.30 mm variant

• Fewer pellets in the same load weight

• Use only in firearms marked “Steel Shot” or “Billes d’Acier”

• Check the manufacturer’s approved chokes as well

4.06 mm

• The largest shot currently in the manufacturer's range

• Lowest number of pellets in the 28-gram load

• Heaviest individual pellet among the three variants

• Use only in firearms marked “Steel Shot” or “Billes d’Acier”

• Currently the selectable shot size on Jahipaun’s product card

Packaging

• Cartridges per box: 25

• Boxes per transport case: 10

• Cartridges per transport case: 250

• Transport case weight: approximately 11.0 kg

• The manufacturer does not disclose the retail box dimensions

• Packaging details are the same for all three variants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 3.30, 3.81, and 4.06 mm steel shot?

More smaller pellets fit into a 28-gram load, which can produce a denser shot pattern. Larger pellets are fewer in the load, but each is heavier. The actual result depends on the barrel, choke, shooting distance, and ammunition batch.

Can steel shot be used in any smoothbore firearm?

No. The manufacturer must approve the use of steel shot. The manufacturer specifies that the 3.81 and 4.06 mm variants are for use only in firearms marked “Steel Shot” or “Billes d’Acier”. Always check the firearm’s manual and choke markings.

Why shouldn’t steel shot be selected solely by matching the diameter to lead shot?

Steel is less dense than lead. The same diameter steel pellet is therefore lighter than a lead pellet, and its ballistic and impact properties differ. Steel shot size should be chosen based on the actual shot pattern, hunting conditions, and applicable regulations.

Can full chokes be used with steel shot?

Only if clearly permitted by the firearm and choke manufacturer. Using large steel shot with an unsuitable or too tight choke can damage the firearm. Pay special attention to the suitability of the 3.81 and 4.06 mm variants.

What does 28 g mean?

This refers to the total mass of the steel shot load in the cartridge. It is not the amount of gunpowder or the weight of a single pellet.

How many pellets are in one cartridge?

The manufacturer does not disclose the exact number of pellets for each variant. Since all variants have a 28-gram load, the 3.30 mm variant contains more pellets than the 3.81 or 4.06 mm variants.

Can a 12/70 cartridge be used in a 12/76 firearm?

In general, a shorter 12/70 cartridge can be used in a 12/76 chambered firearm, but suitability must always be confirmed from the firearm’s markings and manual. A longer 12/76 cartridge must not be used in a firearm with only a 12/70 chamber.

Does lead-free mean the entire cartridge is plastic-free and environmentally harmless?

No. Lead-free refers primarily to the shot material. The cartridge uses a plastic container, and other components may remain in nature. Always follow current environmental and waste management regulations when hunting.

When is S&B 12/70 Steel Shots 28 g the right choice?

This product family is suitable for hunters who need a 12/70 gauge lead-free steel shot and prefer a fast 28-gram load. The 3.30 mm variant provides the highest pellet count for the same load, 3.81 mm is the medium option, and 4.06 mm uses the largest pellets of the three.

The 32-gram Steel Shots may be a better choice if a larger shot load is desired. 12/76 Magnum variants are suitable only for firearms with the appropriate chamber and may result in greater recoil.

Expert recommendation

Before using steel shot, check the firearm’s Steel Shot marking, chamber length, and the choke’s permitted shot size. The manufacturer requires a Steel Shot or Billes d’Acier marked firearm for the 3.81 and 4.06 mm variants. Suitability should not be judged solely on whether the cartridge fits the chamber.

Test your chosen ammunition on a large paper target at intended hunting distances. Check the shot pattern’s center, density, and evenness, as steel shot may perform differently from a lead load of the same number. Always use hearing and eye protection and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your firearm and choke.

Fast 28-gram lead-free hunting cartridge

S&B 12/70 Steel Shots 28 g combines a velocity of 420 m/s, a plastic container, and a lead-free steel shot load. The available 3.30, 3.81, and 4.06 mm shot sizes allow you to select the shot pattern best suited to your firearm and hunting conditions.