16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 14 Oct 2011 Posts: 61 Location: England

Hello all,
I was going to order some Bismuth from Rotometals to load up for the wildfowl in my 16 but they have been out of stock of virtually all sizes for quite some time now.
Anyone have an idea where I can get some 3.5mm and 4mm Bismuth from that will ship to the UK.
We are only a couple of weeks from the start of the season in the UK
Regards
Graham

Member Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 467 Location: SC PA

No idea if Precison Reloading will ship to the UK but they show #2 Bismuth in stock. Cost is considerably more than RotoMetals.

https://www.precisionreloading.com/cart.php#!c=1

Joined: 27 Oct 2017 Posts: 80 Location: Joliet, IL

I’m going through this now getting ready to hunt prairie grouse on non-tox areas next month. Based on the prices they are charging I was better off by almost half to buy 12ga bismuth shells (Kent), then cut them open and keep the shot. It is almost $2/oz at precision reloading. Kent 1 1/4 12s closer to $1.20oz.

I guess you could make training blanks from the cut shells too. Or light off piles of powder which is always fun.

Joined: 05 Oct 2017 Posts: 284 Location: Central MN

https://bossshotshells.com/

Joined: 03 Sep 2014 Posts: 398 Location: Rochester, MN

If you are in the states, here are a couple of tips on purchasing bismuth shotshells at good prices.

Mills Fleet Farm
Right now, they have Hevishot Bismuth Shotshells for $32/box. In their fuel stations, they have popcorn for 25 cents or free with fuel purchase. The popcorn bag has a coupon for $5 off a $50 purchase. Buy a box of shells and pick up some household items to reach $50. They do carry 16 gauge bismuth. BTW: Their fall hunting flyer has coupons for $10 off a $75 purchase.

Cabelas
Cabelas carries Kent Bismuth. 2 3/4" sells for $32/box. Sign up for a Cabelas credit card. You get $25 off your first purchase. Pick up a box for $7.

I've been back in forth with roto Metals for a while . They had a sale thing , but only had 5,8,9's . They've been down on routine maint type thing and said I'll get a notice when they get back up . I'll pass it along . The 5's were 139 bucks for 10# - free shipping , so still a good deal .

Joined: 27 Oct 2017 Posts: 80 Location: Joliet, IL

I just noticed Ballistic Products Inc has Bismuth back in stock today....and on sale for $110/7lb of 4s.

Not sure if they ship to the UK for the OP though.

Joined: 20 Jun 2011 Posts: 119 Location: Illinois

Rotometals has bismuth back in stock. Everything but 4s and 3.5s.

Mike

Joined: 27 Oct 2017 Posts: 80 Location: Joliet, IL

Joined: 24 Jul 2016 Posts: 548 Location: Ohio

At least for me,reloading Bismuth is more getting exactly what I want then saving money. The choices are very slim in loaded ammunition at this point.Old guns need special treatment in regards to pressure,velocity,and recoil.Factory loads that cater to old guns are far from cheap.

Member Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 592 Location: Minnesota

My numbers for a box of 1oz loads $27.00. YMMV. Last time I checked Kent Bismuth 16ga 1oz loads were $34.99 without taxes or shipping.

But as Ohio Wirehair posted the cost is not the main objective for those shooting vintage doubles who require lower pressure and prefer standard velocity. The only Bismuth factory option is RST at $65/box not including taxes/shipping and those are only 7/8oz loads. Ouch!

Joined: 27 Oct 2017 Posts: 80 Location: Joliet, IL

My point was that I'm reloading Bismuth loads for my 2 1/2" 16ga by purchasing fully loaded Kent Bismuth 12ga ammo, cutting open the shells, dumping the Bismuth shot out, and throwing away the rest of the shell........and I'm doing that for a couple pennies per ounce more that I would pay if I purchased a whole 10lb bag from Rotometals. We are getting hosed.

Joined: 03 Sep 2014 Posts: 398 Location: Rochester, MN

I have to agree. At this time, it is not a cost savings to reload bismuth shotshells. I can purchase commercial loads at12 gauge and 16 gauge at $1.09 to $1.20 per shot.

Now, if you require 2.5" shells of low pressure, the calculus is different.

Joined: 13 Oct 2015 Posts: 348

This is true about the current cost. The 16ga bismuth from BossShotshells.com really make it not worth my time to reload. 1oz #5 is $1.40 a shell.

However, they just sell #3,5,7 for 16ga. For ducks I want #4, maybe #4.5, and I have about 30lbs of each just sitting here, so... might as well use it Wink

Joined: 12 Sep 2010 Posts: 1973 Location: Maine