A friend and I have been shooting on some public places that require nontox shot. We have both been using Kent Bismuth loads in 12 and 20 gauge with somewhat spotty success. Neither of us are sure whether it is because the stuff is slow and we are behind the birds (the ones I have hit suggest that is the case) or if they are just not very lethal.

Recently, I was dressing some birds that had been shot with lead and Kent Bismuth #5s. The lead shot measured over 0.11", some close to 0.12" The Bismuth measured 0.10 or even less. This morning, I measured some old Winchester Bi #5s that I had in for reloading. They all measured over 0.120". So, apparently there is a lot of variation in what one interprets #5 shot to be. The Winchester stuff in my handloads does seem to kill better. But perhaps just because it is faster and closer to my practice ammo, so I center the birds better.

Well, regardless, I think we are going to reload some more Bi shells. I'll use the last of the Winchester shot I have, but I'll need more, at least for next year. Is any particular maker of Bi shot better than another? I'm not even sure who all is making it. I know Rotometals is, but are there others? I'm interested in quality as much or more than price and in getting a largish shot size (0.12" seems ideal to me, esp. since Bi will be a little bit less dense).

Are there any special considerations when reloading for Bi? I've always heard that it loads 1 for 1 with lead reloading data. Same powder, wads etc. I figure I'll whip up some of the old Blue Dot loads I used to kill everything that flies with, back before I got too lazy to reload.

Anyway, suggestions and recommendations on Bi reloads for 12s (and mayb 20s) are welcome.

Keep warm out there. Dang cold here.

Last edited by BrentD; 12/30/17 09:34 PM.
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BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
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