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< 16ga. Ammunition & Reloading ~ Hevi bismuth |
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Posted:
Wed Nov 06, 2019 3:04 pm
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Member
Joined: 30 Nov 2011
Posts: 1694
Location: Minnesota
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Posted:
Wed Nov 06, 2019 6:04 pm
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Joined: 03 Sep 2014
Posts: 398
Location: Rochester, MN
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I started using those loads this season for pheasants.
I shoot a 16 gauge SxS and use #6 bismuth in the right barrel and #4 bismuth in the left barrel.
In Minnesota, I have shot 5 pheasants with 5 shots of #6. The first 4 birds were dead or incapacitated where they fell. The 5th bird was a shot through heavy brush. The bird went down but my dog had to chase it about 80 yards.
In Iowa two weeks ago, I shot 6 birds with it. Three (2 with #6 and one with #4) were dead or incapacitated where they fell. Two were mobile but easily caught (both with #4). One was lost. The bird that I lost was a bad hit on my part and it fell in a swamp.
Overall, I like the stuff. It seems to immobalize pheasant more effectively than steel shot.
I am betting that it is easier on teeth too.
If you live near a Fleet Farm store, they carry 16 gauge Hevi Bismuth in #4 and #6 but not #2. Sign up for their coupons and you can get it for very good prices. |
_________________ John Singer |
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Posted:
Wed Nov 06, 2019 7:22 pm
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Joined: 28 Jan 2018
Posts: 159
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I have tried the 2s. In a normal full choke barrel, they pattern like a dream. |
_________________ al |
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Posted:
Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:33 pm
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Member
Joined: 30 Nov 2011
Posts: 1694
Location: Minnesota
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It was Fleet farm I saw them at but like you said John, no 2's. $30/box. They stil have $5 coupons off $50 or more on their popcorn bags in the gas stations.
Case, did you just pattern the 2's or have you hunted with them? |
_________________ Great dog, Great friends,Great guns |
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Posted:
Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:42 pm
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Joined: 03 Sep 2014
Posts: 398
Location: Rochester, MN
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Savage16 wrote: |
It was Fleet farm I saw them at but like you said John, no 2's. $30/box. They stil have $5 coupons off $50 or more on their popcorn bags in the gas stations.
Case, did you just pattern the 2's or have you hunted with them?
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Sign up for their coupon program and periodically get $10 off a $50 purchase.
https://www.fleetfarm.com/p/web
I bought 7 boxes this fall. Paid full retail for only the first box. |
_________________ John Singer |
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Posted:
Thu Nov 07, 2019 1:01 am
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Joined: 28 Jan 2018
Posts: 159
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savage. just patterned. but there are other guys on here who have hunted with them. look at the post titled "hevi bis deuces". |
_________________ al |
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Posted:
Thu Nov 07, 2019 1:20 am
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Joined: 28 Jan 2018
Posts: 159
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Correction. I have shot a few squirrels with the 2s. |
_________________ al |
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Posted:
Thu Nov 07, 2019 7:54 am
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Joined: 29 Nov 2018
Posts: 23
Location: United States
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I used them for Canada geese in September. #2's worked great and it was like shooting lead once again. Last week in SD hunting pheasants I noticed several other hunters using them in #4's. Seemed to knock the pheasants down just fine. |
_________________ Michael MN
Current 16 gauge shotguns
Browning BPS Special Field 26"
Browning 525 26"
Franchi Instinct SL 28" |
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Posted:
Thu Nov 07, 2019 8:16 am
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Member
Joined: 30 Nov 2011
Posts: 1694
Location: Minnesota
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Thanks for the link John;got signed up. You say you use them in a SxS-vintage or modern? I would think they'd be a little much for my 1925 Elsie or 1937 Sauer.
Milo,did you buy the 2's locally or mail order? |
_________________ Great dog, Great friends,Great guns |
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Posted:
Thu Nov 07, 2019 9:05 am
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Joined: 29 Nov 2018
Posts: 23
Location: United States
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Savage16,
I bought them through Macks Prairie Wings. I have found it easier to buy via internet but I cringe every time. I think I'm going to go into some local stores and order through them. Might cost a couple bucks more for ammo but I'd rather buy local.
On another note, I've recently seen some posts with pics of hevi-shot shells splitting or with wads stuck in barrels. Anyone else seeing this? |
_________________ Michael MN
Current 16 gauge shotguns
Browning BPS Special Field 26"
Browning 525 26"
Franchi Instinct SL 28" |
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Posted:
Thu Nov 07, 2019 6:59 pm
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Joined: 03 Sep 2014
Posts: 398
Location: Rochester, MN
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I am shooting a Stevens 5100/Wards Model 50. I suspect it was manufactured in the late 1940s.
I have noticed that two of the empties were split at the crimp. That seems unusual for once fired hulls. |
_________________ John Singer |
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Posted:
Mon Nov 11, 2019 6:16 pm
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Member
Joined: 26 Oct 2007
Posts: 141
Location: Kentucky
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I use non toxic shot for waterfowl because it's required. I don't understand why some of you are using bismuth for pheasant or other non regulated birds. It cost more and kills less efficiently than lead. Lead can be used in any gun and is available everywhere. Is it just for environmental reasons? Some of my friends use tungsten for pheasants because they kill more birds. I've seen no one using bismuth by choice.
Tom |
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Posted:
Mon Nov 11, 2019 6:34 pm
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Joined: 03 Sep 2014
Posts: 398
Location: Rochester, MN
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I use bismuth or steel for all my shotgun hunting.
Much of my pheasant hunting is done on public lands where nontoxic shot is required.
Also, given a choice, I prefer not to ingest meat containing lead. |
_________________ John Singer |
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Posted:
Tue Nov 12, 2019 6:38 am
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Joined: 24 Jun 2013
Posts: 2062
Location: canandaigua - western n.y. (formerly deerhunter)
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SoDak requires non tox . Because we also hunt the Standing Rock rez , we are developing both . The Rez is ok lead , as is private land , not State land . |
_________________ Molly sez AArrrooooooah ! |
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Posted:
Tue Nov 12, 2019 2:19 pm
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Joined: 08 Feb 2009
Posts: 1301
Location: Western WA
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Quote: |
I don't understand why some of you are using bismuth for pheasant or other non regulated birds.
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State wildlife areas in WA require notox. Violators lose their guns. Other state lands i.e. DNR, sometimes post notox requirements. Much of WA is an indistinguishable hodgepodge of Federal, State, County, Municipal, corporate (i.e., Timber Companies), and private land, always seems to be changing hands depending on who wants it or not (mostly the latter) at any particular point in time. Not worth taking any chances.
Having said all that, I can personally testify that big and small game and waterfowl hunting opportunities in WA are OUTSTANDING at this time, and very affordable, don't hesitate to try it out, outfitters generally not required. You have to know what and how to do it, as anywhere else, of course.
B. |
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