Reloading Bismuth For Waterfowl

[C-Money]

So....Lead & bismuth are a little different densities. Can bismuth be loaded using lead data? If I use some #3 bismuth with my current handicap trap load setup, what issues should I expect? My green dot load is a a bit under max using 1 1/8 oz shot bushing with a white AA wad and Remington hulls. I figure using bismuth this would be devastating on ducks. I was not able to find any data with the components I have...Anyone have any bismuth reloading advise? I'd like to be ready for next season, starting my research now!!

[duckmen1]

Check Hodgdon reloading data center online and see what info that they have that may fit your needs. I found info I needed for bismuth running in my 410. Very similar data for that.5/8s oz bismuth where depending on shells and such lead standard loads were 11/16ths oz. Lead is just ever so slightly denser than bismuth. But for waterfowl hunting I love loading bismuth over steel. Especially in the 410. But have had great results running bismuth. I personally shoot #6 shot but all my shots are under 30 yards. But in the past had great results with #4 shot as well and may load more of that im the future. I love how safe bismuth is on your gun in comparison to reloading steel and it gives a lot more options to wads to use. In the 410 when running steel or tss type shot I am limited to 1 wad on the market. Where if that wad isn't available bismuth gives me unlimited options on wads. The one thing I will point out with bismuth is you get some non uniformed shot mixed in but overall it has worked well and got good patterns for me.

[GWP]

There is a lot more Bismuth data available these days. I am surprised you are having trouble finding data for the load you want to use. Maybe post what you have on hand?
There was little info out there when I started loading it, so there were times I used lead data for the most part, but it is lighter, so I had to be careful about trying to cram too much shot in a hull.
The wad issue is one problem, with bismuth scoring barrels easier than lead, which is why specialized wads (no slits or fewer, taller) are used for all the harder shot types. More of a problem with tungsten though.
Scoring really does not effect performance in my experience, but it freaks some people out.

[callturner]

Look up Ballistic Products and Bucks Run, also Precision reloading , and you will find everything you need.

[WSU]

How much does it end up costing per shell to reload the heavier non-lead metals? 

[GWP]

Really depends on what the components you have on hand cost you. I do not know current prices, but I used to figure about half price of what the premium shells on the shelf cost. I never loaded steel, only Bismuth, Hevi Shot and ITX shells.

[wadu1]

I load all my waterfowl loads with steel. The Bismuth I've loaded in 20ga I just used heavy trap recipes. A buddy uses recipes for heavy field loads in his .410. I'll check and see if I can find and old Bismuth loading manual. 

[C-Money]

I used the reloading cost calculator with prices of components I already have and the current cost of 10 pounds of bismuth. Came out to $33 per box. With steel ammo at $20/box, and extra $13 for better performance is defiantly an option.

[jasnt]

I have a bunch of bismuth data. I’ll look it up tomorrow

[jasnt]

With the components you listed I got this from Lyman shot manual.
REM hull
Win 209
21.5gr green dot
Win waa12 wad
1290fps and 9500 psi
This is 1 oz bismuth same volume as 1 1/8 oz lead

[C-Money]

With the components you listed I got this from Lyman shot manual.
REM hull
Win 209
21.5gr green dot
Win waa12 wad
1290fps and 9500 psi
This is 1 oz bismuth same volume as 1 1/8 oz lead

This is wonderful...thank you!! The bushing I'm using now dropping 19.5 gr green dot should be a safe load. I could go up a powder bushing to see what I get for drops... Should really smack ducks under decoys!!