Bismuth shot questions

[JJohnson2023]

I'm thinking of ordering some bismuth shot from roto metals for goose and duck hunting with my ML. Any recommendations on shot size or info from your experiences?

 

[Newly O’Brian]

#4 for all waterfowl, remember to use buffer too.

 

[x_count]

I also use #4 for most of my typical waterfowl hunting, although I do use BB for tundra swan. Check Ballistic Products for the shot also, sometimes they are a bit cheaper.

 

[JJohnson2023]

I also use #4 for most of my typical waterfowl hunting, although I do use BB for tundra swan. Check Ballistic Products for the shot also, sometimes they are a bit cheaper.

what is your typical load for geese if you hunt them?

 

[x_count]

I still use#4 bismuth over decoys. I found my 10 gauge SxS likes 100gr of 1f Swiss and patterned best with a dry over powder card followed by a greased over powder card, 1 1/2 to 1 5/8 ounce of shot, topped with another over powder card. My 62 cal HATES this load sequence regardless of powder size or charge. It did much better with just 3 over shot cards on top of the powder and another single card over the shot.

 

[JJohnson2023]

I still use#4 bismuth over decoys. I found my 10 gauge SxS likes 100gr of 1f Swiss and patterned best with a dry over powder card followed by a greased over powder card, 1 1/2 to 1 5/8 ounce of shot, topped with another over powder card. My 62 cal HATES this load sequence regardless of powder size or charge. It did much better with just 3 over shot cards on top of the powder and another single card over the shot.

Thank you @x_count I ended up ordering some #3 bismuth to play around with. I went with the larger size because my muzzleloader has a shorter barrel than most and I figured I could bank on lower velocities.

 

[The Baron]

#4 bismuth works great for geese over decoys. I did several hunts using 80gr. 3F and 1 1/4oz. shot using a volume measure. No shot buffer used.

 

[Rató:rats]

I’ve found with bismuth you need to go a size up from lead to get the same performance
Example I hunt rabbits and hares with #6 lead or #5 bismuth where non-toxic is required