Shot Question for California Smoothbore Shooters

[Ol Bob]

Placed this in the regional forum and was kindly directed here.

I had a hunting trip to AZ planned for late Jan. but the trip fell apart, so I began rolling around the idea of going to northern CA to hunt squirrels, when I remembered CA has a ban on lead shot.

Is that correct? And if so, what substitute shot do you fellas use in your smoothies?

Thanks,
OB

 

[Musketeer]

I believe that is so. For easy use I'd go with bismuth shot. You could do steel, but then you need modern plastic shot wads/cups made for steel shot to protect your barrel, and I've read those can melt with black powder and cause cleaning issues. Bismuth shot in various sizes is available here: https://www.rotometals.com/bismuth-shot/. You could pick up one or two (don't know the bag limit in CA) of their 1# sample bags: https://www.rotometals.com/bismuth-shot-alloy-for-reloading-shells-1-pound-bag-sample-made-in-usa/ if you don't want to shell out $150-160 for 10#.

 

[Stony Broke]

I sure wouldn't want to get caught with lead shot in California these days !

 

[Brokennock]

I believe that is so. For easy use I'd go with bismuth shot. You could do steel, but then you need modern plastic shot wads/cups made for steel shot to protect your barrel, and I've read those can melt with black powder and cause cleaning issues. Bismuth shot in various sizes is available here: https://www.rotometals.com/bismuth-shot/. You could pick up one or two (don't know the bag limit in CA) of their 1# sample bags: https://www.rotometals.com/bismuth-shot-alloy-for-reloading-shells-1-pound-bag-sample-made-in-usa/ if you don't want to shell out $150-160 for 10#.

Anyone else see the type? Is it a typo?


Is it a typo or is something different with non lead shot sizes?

 

[Musketeer]

If you mean the switching of #5 and #4, that's just a goof on their part.

 

[Brokennock]

If you mean the switching of #5 and #4, that's just a goof on their part.

My concern is which product size will I get if I order #5. How deep into their system does the goof go?

 

[Musketeer]

I'm not sure. Best bet is to call or email them and ask.

 

[Ol Bob]

Thank you fellas. I'll look into getting some of bismuth.

Probably not in time for this year tho.

 

[RunningBear]

Thank you fellas. I'll look into getting some of bismuth.

Probably not in time for this year tho.

I shoot steel BBS in my musket,felt wad plastic cup,a paper premade glued tube of shot then a over shot card.60 grains 2f equal shot Squirrel loads 25yrds/80 grains 2f equal shot/Rabbit or Turkey load 30 yrds.

 

[Ol Bob]

Thanks RB.

Do you run into have special considerations in loading or cleaning with the plastic shot cups? I've never used them.

OB