In addition to Bismuth shot efficiency (pattern %) we should also hear about the other important parameter = penetration at increasing distance as the shot velocity drops off. What good is a certain % of pellets on paper at X yards if the shot rattles off the duck or goose, or worse yet only has shallow penetration and the bird flies away to suffer a lingering death? The old time medium for testing to insure deep penetration into the vitals is that the shot pellet(s) would pass completely through a 3/8" thick dry pine board. That along with the number of pellet strikes on the bird will set the max humane range for any given shotgun with that shotshell whether loaded with Bismuth, lead or whatever.
|