Bismuth Shot Impact Energies?

Jim McKee · 03-29-2021, 11:08 PM

Hi!
Looking for impact energies of the various bismuth shot sizes at 40 yds and 50 yds when fired at 1200 fps?
Thanks!
Jim

Stan Hillis · 03-30-2021, 08:34 AM

Jim, I have looked at all my sources and cannot find what you want, specifically. But I bet I know where you can get it.

tomroster@charter.net

I once called Tom and talked to him personally about a specific question. He wasn't very outgoing at first, but "warmed up". An email is much less demanding of one's time, and if I needed info from him now that is how I would approach it.

In the associated info about bismuth I found where Tom once wrote that in order to duplicate lead performance with bismuth you just go with one size larger bismuth pellet than you would with lead. Basically, he was saying that in order to duplicate the lethality of #5 lead you need to use #4 bismuth.

One brief personal anecdote. I grew up shooting lead at ducks and very reluctantly went to steel many years after it was first developed for waterfowl. I embraced bismuth shot when it came out, and began reloading it. The only perfect limit I ever killed was with no. 4 hand loaded bismuth, in my Super Fox, at about 1200 fps. I went 6 for 6 about three years ago ........... four mallards and two other species.

I'm pattern testing the lower pressure bismuth loads from BOSS Amunition now, through several guns. At 8500 psi, and $1.23/rd, it may negate my need to reload. You might get the info you need from them, if it doesn't work out with Roster.

INFO@BOSSSHOTSHELLS.COM
269-465-3631

Sorry if that's more info than you bargained for, but hope it helps.

Stan

Joe from MO · 03-30-2021, 10:10 AM

So, these low pressure loads from BOSS, I do not see them on their website. How do you go about getting those?

I bought some #4 2 3/4" 1350 fps loads, but they are too hot in my opinion to be using from my Parker VH. I planned to shoot them from my Late 1940's model 12.

Stan Hillis · 03-30-2021, 08:15 PM

Joe, for some reason they do not show them on their website. But, if you call their number a nice, and very knowledgeable, young lady can answer any and all of your questions about it, and take your order. I was very impressed with her answers to some of my technical questions.

And, I got the best service I could imagine. I placed the order for a case (200) of them on Friday morning. They were dropped off by FedEx on my porch Sunday afternoon ..........Michigan to Georgia. 2 1/2 days.

Craig Larter · 03-31-2021, 07:29 AM

I ordered a case of 1 1/8oz loads for my #2 frame Parker duck gun. Boss made an error and shipped 1 1/4oz. I called customer service and they told me to keep the incorrect case and they shipped the correct shells no charge. That's customer service you rarely experience!!

Stan Hillis · 03-31-2021, 09:02 AM

Wow! That is great service. I'd be surprised at that from another company, but not BOSS. Great first impressions all around, for me.

Jim McKee · 04-06-2021, 05:52 PM

Tom Roster returned my e-mail
His response was "I know of none measured accurately".
I will be contacting Boss
Thanks!
Jim

6pt-Sika · 04-10-2021, 12:21 AM

A friend gave me two boxes of Bismuth today . Not exactly sure what I’ll use them for but you can’t beat the price FREE

Milton C Starr · 04-10-2021, 03:33 PM

Using #5 shot the weight I found going by rotometals website is 2.1grs for a #5 bismuth and for a lead #5 2.5grs. Which works out @1200fps to 7ft lbs of muzzle energy for the bismuth and 8ft lbs of muzzle energy for the lead #5

Jim McKee · 04-10-2021, 08:14 PM

Milton C Starr,
Can that be translated to ft. lbs at 40 yds & 50 yds?
Thanks!
Jim