So Kent has a Bismuth load available this July, 25 rds/box this time. I'd be curious as to the price pt of this one... Hope everyone's having a good spring.

macks prairie wings and midway shows them on their website listing. $35-$45 a box just not in stock yet

I'm interested in the 3''20 gauge loads they are going to have as they have more velocity than the current 2 3/4" listed. I think the # 4 will be my first choice what chokes do you think will be good for bismuth loads ?

If I remember correctly, the general recommendation is to choke Bismuth like lead. The pattern board will tell you for sure.

I think I will start out with a modified choke and see how it looks when the ammo becomes available later this year. I have never tried bismuth before.

Last summer I did some pattern testing with it. A sample shell cut open revealed the shot size was almost a size small, i.e their 4 shot measures as 5. Shot was consistently spherical. Patterned very well and like lead in my Carlson’s choke.

I've never used bismuth before either, but a friend gave me two full boxes of these early Winchester brand Bismuth Cartridge Co. 3" 20ga shells, 1 1/16 oz. #5. I'll probably try them in my 11-87 for early teal season or wood ducks and will likely use a modified choke. I also want to try the new Kent Bismuth 12ga loads.

I also see that they are available in #3 shot size so if they are smaller then they may be about #4 lead size ?

Those will be kinda brittle and tend to fracture. The new stuff won't. The new #4 and #5 Bismuth is the ticket for sub gauge Waterfowl. Treat it like lead mod & full are your best friends.

There shouldn’t be a different “lead size” vs. “bismuth size”. If using American nomenclature they should both measure the same, averaging at .13” for #4 shot. But the Kent bismuth just runs a little small, that’s all.

Yes I see that this year they are available in bigger shot sizes. I would definitely go for #3. Cut one open and mic’ it. If measures as 4 shot then not the end of the world for ducks and close geese. If it measures as #3 then there ain’t nuthin wrong with that either.

Thx!

I've used both the Winchester & the Kent Bismuth. I prefer the Kent Bismuth. I've been using the Kent bismuth that was released two years ago, have had great results in my opinion in both 12 & 20 ga for waterfowl and will try the newest Kent Bismuth. Just my two cents.

Cabela's is advertising 12 ga. 3 1/2 and 3 inch loads from $420 to$370 per case.

Anyone pick up the new release bismuth in the larger shot size yet?

I just pattern tested some new Kent 20ga Bismuth 3” 1 ounce of 4”s at 1400fps , 82 percent pattern with factory Rem mod tube out of 870 20ga 23hits in a 8 inch circle at 40yds ,

The info I have read that the 4 shot compares to the weight of steel 2’s

This looks to be a very good duck and pheasant load ,

I used the new Kent Bismuth on a seasick trip this past January. The ducks dropped without a problem

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcXifLFhkfd/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=an3a4vmnma66

What's a seasick trip? LOL

Any more patterning done of 12 ga. possibly?

I am interested in #3 for general duck use. Of course I have found #2 and #4 on the shelf for testing. Used #2 and it worked well in limited use. 12 ga. 3 in.

Not a large supply at stores in CA.

#4 kent loads seem to be a good load with multiple one shot kills. I was able to get out and took 6 ducks with only one being a teal. A gadwall, widgeon, two ring necks and two spoonie.

Of course this is not a scientific event. Seemed to reduce the amount of cripples.
It has to do that or the cost isn't justified.

I will pattern to see what happens with them beyond that distance.

I've been out again recently and had success with the #4 load in 12 gauge. By success I mean, more one shot kills vs. regular steel.

Of course, again not scientific by any means.
Just a note- both are 1 3/8 oz 12 gauge 3 in loads. # 4 has 241 pellets. #3 has 153 pellets.
Kent HD bismuth loads.

I am using number 4 and they seem fine so far. My buddy is wondering if the #3 load is better for duck use. We don't get many mallard.

It is mostly widg, gad, spoonie and teal. Some Pin tail and few mallard. Once in a great while a canvas back or a red head.

Any thoughts or experiences with this kent bismuth product would be great.