Loading 20 ga Bismuth

Harold Pickens · 07-07-2025, 08:43 AM

Anybody have a 1 oz 20 ga load for Bismuth in fluid steel barrels, friend of mine called wondering if I had any info.

J.B. Books · 07-07-2025, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harold Lee Pickens

Anybody have a 1 oz 20 ga load for Bismuth in fluid steel barrels, friend of mine called wondering if I had any info.

There are some 1 ounce of bismuth recipes on the Hodgdon web site if you can find the wads and powders.

Harold Pickens · 07-07-2025, 08:28 PM

Thanks Pete

Keith Doty · 07-07-2025, 10:59 PM

Harold, I use the same recipe for lead and bismuth but allow for the volume difference by using the same type of wad but a lower profile as the bismuth is 10% or so more volume than lead for the same weight. As I am loading low pressure rounds I don't worry. Have actually tested some in 10 and 12 ga lead vs. bismuth and found very little difference. NOW, if you are loading rhino roller ammunition for geese or live pigeon, there MIGHT be some appreciable difference, I don't know. I long ago came to the conclusion good patterns kill more birds than blinding speed!