Bismuth or non-lead shot

[Beaver Trapper]

I don't know what bismuth costs, but for something readily available, I was thinking of trying lead free plumbing solder. Everything in Canada costs an arm and a kidney, or you gotta have it shipped from the US.

Can lead free plumbing solder be cast easily?

Agreed. Its very hard to find anything BP in Canada - shipping costs are only getting worse from the US.

 

[R.J.Bruce]

Agreed, if one takes into account the time factor necessary to convert dirty, used, bulk, hopefully FREE, pure lead into useable ingots; purchasing pure lead seems a lot more reasonable. However, the only way to really reduce the cost of lead is to purchase it in 1000 pound pallet lots. At my age, 66, with pretty decent osteoarthritis, scrounging large quantities of dirty bulk lead to be melted and refined into 5 pound ingots does not seem so appealing any more.

Like Historian, I foresee a time in my lifetime where I will be forced to convert to shooting bismuth shot by law. So, my interest in learning more about the process of making my own bismuth shot.

 

[Historian]

Gentlemen, I hope to have this done by Monday or Tuesday at the latest. The process is alot like making lead shot just with a 100-120 degree temp drop because bismuth melts at around 522 degrees F and tin melts at 450 degrees F. Once you ally your ingots it's pretty simple, you just have to pay attention to the molten metal because it will burnyou.
What you see for my Avatar is freshly poured bismuth #4's. I use those for waterfowl, squirrels and rabbits. I use bismuth 7's for dogs and quail. I can still use lead down here with the exception of hunting the military base I live next to and Wheeler Wildlife Refuge which is also Federal property. I just decided to go totally nontoxic. I also buy the bismuth in bulk from Bolton Metals in Pennsylvania. They have much better pricing than Roto Metals or Zip Metals. I just bought another 50 pounds and shipping is flat rate at $20.00. I will cover all this for the post. Have a nice weekend gentlemen.
Rob.

 

[Historian]

I use the bismuth 7's for DOVE and quail not "dogs". I love typing errors.

 

[R.J.Bruce]

I thought perhaps you were a CAT LOVER!!!!!!!!!

 

[R.J.Bruce]

Of course, I will heartily recommend the use of #7 bismuth shot for use on Chihuahua's, as I have been bitten 3 times by one of them. All other dogs get a pass. (tongue in cheek).

 

[nhmoose]

4's work fine for cats.

I buy my Bismuth shot easier than making. I also buy my lead shot same reason.

I had a shot caster and it was a pain, fine when running it for the shop to sell but Shotgun guys are as cheap as ML's and shoot the cheapest they can find through guns costing thousands. (never figured that out)

 

[Runewolf1973]

Can lead free plumbing solder be cast easily?

Agreed. Its very hard to find anything BP in Canada - shipping costs are only getting worse from the US.

Not much different than lead really in how it melts or casts. I always thought that stuff was pretty heavy.

 

[Beaver Trapper]

A friend of mine melted down wheel weights and then added wax and sawdust. This brought the tin to the surface of the molten lead. The balls cast from this were still a little harder than other types of lead.

 

[Historian]

Guys I am still working on my little essay. I have had a family member in and out of the hospital. Just stay tuned. Actually making bismuth shot is real easy if you know what you are doing. I like making my own since it is now over 50% cost savings. I just bought 50 pounds more to make round balls and some larger shot sizes like 2's. Stay tuned guys.
Rob in AL.

 

[Rató:rats]

Can lead free plumbing solder be cast easily?

Agreed. Its very hard to find anything BP in Canada - shipping costs are only getting worse from the US.

Ya the shipping from the states has gotten crazy this last year. I guess the trade off is free healthcare have you guys found a source up here for bismuth?

 

[Tim shotmaker]

Nice picture. Know that feeling. I make my own bismuth and shoot it for virtually everything as I do not shoot lead anymore. I use bismuth 4 shot for ducks and 2's and 0 shot which is slightly larger than 1's for geese. You can buy all of these through Roto Metals, Zip Metals or Ballistic Products. Good shooting. Yes Bismuth is an excellent non toxic alternative.

Guys I am still working on my little essay. I have had a family member in and out of the hospital. Just stay tuned. Actually making bismuth shot is real easy if you know what you are doing. I like making my own since it is now over 50% cost savings. I just bought 50 pounds more to make round balls and some larger shot sizes like 2's. Stay tuned guys.
Rob in AL.

 

[Tim shotmaker]

I sure would like to talk to you. Tim

 

[Historian]

Tim, I will give you a call Saturday sir. I saw your phone number. Let me know a time frame that is good. I may be able to call tomorrow afternoon but most likely it will be Saturday sir.

 

[Tim shotmaker]

Tim, I will give you a call Saturday sir. I saw your phone number. Let me know a time frame that is good. I may be able to call tomorrow afternoon but most likely it will be Saturday sir.

Anything thank you

 

[Tim shotmaker]

Nice picture. Know that feeling. I make my own bismuth and shoot it for virtually everything as I do not shoot lead anymore. I use bismuth 4 shot for ducks and 2's and 0 shot which is slightly larger than 1's for geese. You can buy all of these through Roto Metals, Zip Metals or Ballistic Products. Good shooting. Yes Bismuth is an excellent non toxic alternative.

Still would like to talk to you.

 

[Tim shotmaker]

R.J.BRUCE,
Can you PM me and I will be glad discuss it with you sir. I will be glad to share all that I know. I do have some pictures somewhere as well which show some of the process I use.

Can you call me Rob? Tim

 

[Beaver Trapper]

Ya the shipping from the states has gotten crazy this last year. I guess the trade off is free healthcare have you guys found a source up here for bismuth?

Local gun ranges carry it, but it is pricy.

 

[R.J.Bruce]

Historian,
Are you using the Burgess/Littleton shot maker, or the Oasis shot maker to make your bismuth shot?

Thanks

 

[Tim shotmaker]

Historian,
Are you using the Burgess/Littleton shot maker, or the Oasis shot maker to make your bismuth shot?

Thanks

I am using the oasis shot maker. But I am the new owner of the Littleton shot maker. Thanks