Getting set up tp load 3" 20 gauge Bismuth or HW

[JP]

I would need to look in the bin as I have a pot load of those bars and if I can find a 1 3/8 ounce one, will see how much of the #4 bismuth it drops.

 

[duckbuster5901]

A 1.25 oz lead bar will drop close to 1.25 oz bismuth. May not be perfect but close. If too much, tape can be used to fill space in the shot cavity. If too little, can just hand spoon a little in or file out the cavity.

I,m assuming there's no issues using Bismuth thru a lead bar as it would be with steel. Am I correct on this?

 

[duckbuster5901]

I would need to look in the bin as I have a pot load of those bars and if I can find a 1 3/8 ounce one, will see how much of the #4 bismuth it drops.

I,m loading for a 20 with 1 1/8 oz. of Bismuth 4,s. Guessin a little filler would be needed on a 1 3/8 oz. bushing, would 1 1/4 oz. drop closer? Guess i,m going to have to purchase a cheap digital scale to check a few loads once I get started.

 

[duckbuster5901]

Anyone got any leads on LilGun powder on line. Every place i,ve found so far is out.

 

[JP]

I,m loading for a 20 with 1 1/8 oz. of Bismuth 4,s. Guessin a little filler would be needed on a 1 3/8 oz. bushing, would 1 1/4 oz. drop closer? Guess i,m going to have to purchase a cheap digital scale to check a few loads once I get started.

Found (302) charge bars in 138 & 158.

Dropped three shot charges each of #4 Ely bismuth, weighed on digital scales.

#138 measured 1.231 ounce

#158 measured 1.365 ounce

 

[Buster_AZ]

I,m assuming there's no issues using Bismuth thru a lead bar as it would be with steel. Am I correct on this?

I use an old lead bar on an old MEC Jr that had a copper tube originally. This machine was gifted to me and had to be restored. I installed a steel shot kit to use this press for steel and bismuth. The lead bar I have is labeled 1.125 oz and drops 1 oz of #4 bismuth. You’ll have to experiment with what you have on hand to see if you can get your press to drop consistently. Without knowing what type of press you have and how it is setup, I can’t say you won’t encounter any issues at all.

 

[duckbuster5901]

Sounds like i,ll just need to calibrate my adjustable bar in the Mec 500 jr. and do some weighing to get a proper drop with it. Probably best that way instead of playing with standard 302 bars. Thanks for the info gentleman.

 

[JP]

^^^ Remember to readjust every time you change shot size or even brand to make sure the weight you’re dropping is true.

 

[Billy hill]

1 3/16 bar drops a pellet over 1oz of #4 bismuth.

 

[Decoyin Drake]

Anyone got any leads on LilGun powder on line. Every place i,ve found so far is out.

The outdoorsman Greenwood Indiana just bought 2#
Do you have good data using it in 20 ga? I reached out to BP about two little gun loads that are fast but use 26.5 and 30 grains of little gun but Pressures lower on the 30 grain charge which seems suspect to me. Well see what they say