Hello Bob M., Do not shoot steel shot through your L C Smith. Some of the other modern duck loads would also be dangerous to shoot through your old L C Smith. Do not shoot the "Baby Magnums", the 2 and 3/4 inch very heavy 12 gauge hunting loads through your old L C Smith. I would only shoot LEAD shot through my old L C Smith. I would not shoot anything heavier then a 1 and 1/4 ounce of number 7 point 5 LEAD Live Pigeon load...... Good Shooting To You, Jent