Only place im aware of to get 18g shot is Hal.

I and probably most reloading 18g shot is buying there reloading components from ballistic products or precision reloading.

I thought that too when I started using it 5 yrs ago, so I decided to use #8 shot and put it in a 3.5" hull and get the speed up to 1250 fps.

It was all a waste of time and money. If had been smart, I would have just used Hal's original 3" load and #9 shot. Not that my loads are no good, they are just overkill.

You used to be able to buy the shot over the phone from a guy in ok, but he went out of business. Hal is the only source I know of now, and he also has many lab-tested recipes. Don't worry about your barrel, just follow the recipe and it will be fine.

Only real advice i can give is if you want to try it dont wait and want to get your shot the month before season.

I imagine orders are starting to pick up.

Don't worry about your barrel either. Hal's recipes call for the shot to be placed in a protective wrap to make sure there won't be any damage.