12ga Bismuth Boss loads

[Ruination]

This statement is untrue in general. Pattern expansion downrange is more complex than a simple cone geometry.

I have test data that shows if you take patterns I shot at 25 yards and extrapolate them to 40 yards by increasing the distance of each pellet from the POI by a factor of 40/25= 1.6 (as if it were expanding in a cone with vertex on the gun) you will get a pattern percentage for a 30" circle on POI that is too high by more than 10% compared to patterns actually shot at 40 yds with the same gun, choke and shell. The patterns in my test "bloomed" more like a trumpet than a cone from 25 to 40 yds.

It is possible there is some truth to the statement,


Patterns for bismuth might bloom a bit faster downrange compared to lead since the lower density pellets might be more subject to random perturbations moving them away from the center of the pattern. I would have to see some test data on bismuth vs. lead at 20 yds and 40 yds before I would care to draw any conclusion that there was a significant difference between lead and bismuth in this regard.

I don't doubt that because of uniformity issues causing drag and other variables at work.

However. Shooting a nice pattern at 40 yards is still a plate at 20.

 

[Ruination]

This statement is untrue in general. Pattern expansion downrange is more complex than a simple cone geometry.

I have test data that shows if you take patterns I shot at 25 yards and extrapolate them to 40 yards by increasing the distance of each pellet from the POI by a factor of 40/25= 1.6 (as if it were expanding in a cone with vertex on the gun) you will get a pattern percentage for a 30" circle on POI that is too high by more than 10% compared to patterns actually shot at 40 yds with the same gun, choke and shell. The patterns in my test "bloomed" more like a trumpet than a cone from 25 to 40 yds.

It is possible there is some truth to the statement,


Patterns for bismuth might bloom a bit faster downrange compared to lead since the lower density pellets might be more subject to random perturbations moving them away from the center of the pattern. I would have to see some test data on bismuth vs. lead at 20 yds and 40 yds before I would care to draw any conclusion that there was a significant difference between lead and bismuth in this regard.

I also want to point out it's not a distance calculation but a travel time.

That's how long outside forces get to act on you pattern, gravity/wind.

If it takes, and I'm completely making these numbers up, 0.1 sec to travel to first 25 yards...and .15 to travel the last 15 that's going to have a non zero effect.

 

[Ruggedsportsmen]

This is why I pattern at 30 yards. A good pattern at 40 yards on paper for me blows birds up birds in the decoys.

 

[mud_walker]

Been trying to load bismuth and it has produced the lowest pattern percentages compared to steel and tss. Most loads I tried were not great at 40 yards. There was one success, a #2 1.25oz that would be a good goose load. It patterned at 80% at 40yd at 1300fps. I think it can work at 50yd.

 

[Billy hill]

The entire premise is a lie.
Quote… Bismuth acts like lead’. No it does not. That is an outright lie.
I have hunted with lead numerous times in Mexico. Modified choke and an open pattern to 40.
To get to 40 with Bismuth you have to choke it down so hard that at 20 your entire shot string is on a the center of a paper plate.
Bismuth’s only legitimate use is the ability to use it in older shotguns.
The current fad of using it in modern shotguns? Snake oil and fools separated from their money.

You forgot about the other legit use is to kill birds. If you dont know how to change chokes to get an acceptable pattern at 20, 30, 40 or even 50 yards, Then do a little research. Seems like the problem you have found with bismuth might actually be your misunderstanding about chokes. Let me help you. Decoys set further than 30 yards. Light full. 25 yards mod, closer imp cyl. Dont shoot the birds that are in your face if you have full choke in.

 

[Billy Bob]

Billy, This is getting weird when we agree again.

People seem to forget that lead, like bismuth didn't pattern as well as steel and tungsten mixes either. Bismuth has a different rate of spread and needs different choking but its easy to figure out. Leads advantages are it's weight and the ability to use smaller pellets. It's not rocket science.

I mean, 2 hillbillies can do it...

I grew more of an appreciation for bismuth during the ammo shortage because it was all I could find in .410. I've been thinking of getting some for my 16 to use for large geese. I'll buy more unless it gets too expensive.

 

[dwr353]

I like Boss in sub gauges. #5 gives equivalent of #3 steel. Better pattern density than #3 steel. I only shot around a box last season, but had no cripples I can recall. No, it is not lead(hype not withstanding). If I could still handle one of my 12 gauge guns, steel #3 for me. That ship has sailed. Oncologists said I had 4 months in 2020. Still chasing ducks and an extra $100 a case is minor when put in perspective. The ability to shoot old guns is a bonus. Every sunrise is a gift from God! Friends, my old Lab, and a duck or two(or none) is all I could hope for.

 

[Ruination]

I like Boss in sub gauges. #5 gives equivalent of #3 steel. Better pattern density than #3 steel. I only shot around a box last season, but had no cripples I can recall. No, it is not lead(hype not withstanding). If I could still handle one of my 12 gauge guns, steel #3 for me. That ship has sailed. Oncologists said I had 4 months in 2020. Still chasing ducks and an extra $100 a case is minor when put in perspective. The ability to shoot old guns is a bonus. Every sunrise is a gift from God! Friends, my old Lab, and a duck or two(or none) is all I could hope for.

That's bad *** man, hang in there, hope you have many more.

 

[yankeegray]

Dwr353 I am with you agree with every word you typed