Bismuth back in stock
 

It appears that Rotometals has most sizes of Bismuth back in stock. They are my best source, a fair amount cheaper than anyplace else I have found. Running about $1 per ounce.

I'm probably out of the bismuth reloading business for 12 ga. guns. I'm buying low pressure 1 1/4 oz. bismuth factory loads now for $1.23/ea. What bismuth shot I have left will be saved for specialty small bore reloads.

SRH

Thanks for the tip, Keith! I just ordered a 10# bag of #6 size to reload it in my roll crimped Bismuth loads in 28 gauge. I'll be ready for next fall season.

They sent me an email letting me know it's on the way here.

Wes

Out of extreme curiosity Wes, 28 gauge bismuth loads? Why and for what gamebirds? I know it has become law in some states, is IL one of those?





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Rotometals is charging $61.59 for a 25 pound bag of lead shot? Dang! It’s only going to get worse. My local sporting goods store is still taking about $27 per same 25 pound bag. I think I will pay them a visit today and take what’s left.

-Victor

Hi, Dean,

I've been shooting 28 gauge factory Bismuth shells for sometime now here in IL. On certain State land, it's now mandatory.

I am running low so I decided to buy some Bismuth from RotoMetals, Inc. in CA, get the rest of the components I need and reload them myself - no problem. There is a lot of data out there if I dig a bit. (This is a GOOD time of the year to prepare the loads for next fall season, anyway!)

Over my Brittany's and close points in heavy cover, a Spreader load, roll crimped works well. Then, the other barrel is a load of #4 Bismuth in a 7/8 oz. factory load. It works well on our quail & pheasant. On private land, the same load w/ lead shot works very well. I have tried HeviShot also, in other gauges, but it needs special heavy plastic wads to protect the bores. I think it's almost too much of a good thing and is unnecessary, except for turkey hunting maybe? HeviShot is too hard for my Parker bores to use, in my opinion - modern shotguns - OK. Bismuth is "easier' on the barrel interiors and very similar to lead shot, I've found. Boss Company even plates their Bismuth loads w/ copper now, for a factory shell.

One just does what he has to do. I've been loading 28 ga. ammo for a LONG time and using Bismuth just adds another dimension to it..!

These new 3/4 oz. Bismuth loads would work well for even grouse & woodcock in dense cover, I'm sure? I now keep the lead reloads for the Skeet range here. Some would not use them, but they do work and to each his own views.

I hope I answered your question OK, Dean? Stay healthy to you all in these pandemic times...!

Have fun and shoot well!

Wes

Yes, thanks very much Wes!

I guess we’re all headed in the more expensive direction of non-tox someday.

Thanks again.





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