doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Suitability of ITX shot for use on Damascas barrel

Gentlemen, I was wondering if any of you know if ITX shot, the harder than lead, softer than steel pellets sold by Ballistic Products is suitable as a non toxic shot for use in damascas barreled guns? Specifically, I am exploring my options for shot to use in my 1894 Remington 10 ga. I realise that Bismuth is very popular for such things, and RST uses Nice Shot, but my curiosity about ITX for such things is up.

Mergus

I have successfully used a similar non-toxic shot (NICE) in my damascus barreled shotguns.

NICE shot suggests one use regular "lead data" when reloading. I've used Hodgdons #7625 for 6,000 psi reloads. Works well.

gold40

Hi Jerry66. I'd read (somewhere) that Nice shot is a little heavier and a little harder than Bismuth. That would suit me fine as I've had issues with Bismuth in the past. I'm curious, do you use buffer in your Nice Shot reloads? If so, how much?

Mergus

Does Ballistic have NICE shot or where do we obtain it?

Buffer would only be added to make the pattern tighter. It also raises pressures significantly. Never add buffer to a handload unless the handload has been specifically tested with the buffer.
I read somewhere that ITX has different pressure spikes than Nice shot and lead shot. Don't rely on lead load info when handloading ITX. Nice shot is more expensive than ITX. BP has all the reloading info, pressure, etc. on ITX loads.

I don't add any buffer when loading NICE shot. Works well for me.
Jerry66

I've been loading low pressure loads of ITX for ducks with my Husqvarna and pheasants in my Darne in non-toxic areas #4s are actually more of a 4.5 and work well for me I use PB for propellent in my 12ga and will be loading BB's and Longshot for coyotes in my drilling.