I believe I read sometime ago that the fracturing problems with bismuth was addressed early on and that all the later production was okay. Seems like they said the problems were more prevalent in either the smaller sizes or the larger or sizes of shot, but I can't remember which. Maybe someone else can remember that more accurately.
Last year I bought about 18 # of bismuth at a ridiculously low price off an auction in sizes 5,6 & 7. It was in 3 bottles marked ASARCO LINE SAMPLES, and were evidently samples pulled from production for quality testing. They withstand the pliers test just fine, but I haven't used any of it yet. I figured it should be fine for teal and close in woodies.
Kinda anxious to do a pellet count on one of the loads I had last week in Arkansas and shoot it at the p. plate, to check for a reduced number due to fracturing. I killed probably 12 ducks with it with no problems, but I know that is not a very scientific test. My current load uses Longshot powder.
SRH
