Source for Shot?

[Smokey Plainsman]

Have a shotgun coming (Pedersoli 12 gauge side by side) and want to hunt squirrel and rabbits. Maybe turkeys.

Where are y’all getting your loose shot? I’ve harvested some from unmentionable shells but it’s a waste. Thinking #5 for the squirrel and rabbits (should I choose something else?).

Thanks.

 

[deerstalkert]

Rotometals.

Lead Shot for Reloading , Ballast weight - RotoMetals​

 

[Old Grunt]

I picked mine up at Midway USA

 

[Coldfingers]

Make it, cobbled together shot dripper.
Well I was going to put some pics up, but can't seem to attach them this morning.

Shot drippers are pretty easy to make, plenty of vids out there. Now the shot made at home is not as round as dropped from a tower, but it works well enough.

 

[Walkabout]

Go to Knight Rifles. They have #4, 5, and 6 shot in handy 3.5 lb bottles.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I bought a twenty-five pound sack of #5 shot from the local Bass Pro shop just last week. After tax, I think it was around $60 out the door. They didn’t have a lot in stock… one sack each of #6, #5, and (I think) #7-1/2, but it was there.

I imagine shipping charges for shot would be substantial, but I’ll admit, I haven’t investigated this recently. Packages occasionally take a thrashing on their way to my house, also. Especially heavy ones. I was glad to avoid the risk of spilled, lost shot in transit. Considering your recent issues with shippers, that may be something to think about.

If I were you, @Smokey Plainsman , I would look for reloading suppliers within driving distance. You can often check the stock of the individual “big box” stores online before you make the drive, or just call them. have also bought shot in the past through a local gun club that had a big sporting clays membership.

Good luck!

Notchy Bob

 

[mnmuzzleloader]

Nickel plated lead shot from Ballistic Products is my go to hunting shot.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Go to Knight Rifles. They have #4, 5, and 6 shot in handy 3.5 lb bottles.

Thanks!!

So in a 12 gauge Muzzleloading side by side percussion fired shotgun, what size shot would work best for squirrel and rabbits?

 

[IanH]

Thanks!!

So in a 12 gauge Muzzleloading side by side percussion fired shotgun, what size shot would work best for squirrel and rabbits?

I'd use #5 if I had it or being a 12-gauge, #6 would also be fine.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

I've used #4 in a 410 with good results and it may be easier to find than #5. 4,5, or 6 will all do the job.

 

[Powderfirst]

ROTO metals is the place if you can’t find it locally. 50 lbs for $132 freight included. My post office ladies hated when I got some because they stuff 2 bags in one flat rate shipping box

 

[Wncman]

Have a shotgun coming (Pedersoli 12 gauge side by side) and want to hunt squirrel and rabbits. Maybe turkeys.

Where are y’all getting your loose shot? I’ve harvested some from unmentionable shells but it’s a waste. Thinking #5 for the squirrel and rabbits (should I choose something else?).

Thanks.

I can’t seem to find #5 myself.

 

[Butch Martin]

ROTO metals is the place if you can’t find it locally. 50 lbs for $132 freight included. My post office ladies hated when I got some because they stuff 2 bags in one flat rate shipping box

Right. I had trouble finding shot because of democrats and chinese. However, Roto metals had it, and Roto is located in California of all places. I met the mail lady and carried the bag to my house like a good guy. Another time I found my mailbox straining under 20 pounds of pure lead ingots.

 

[Lorne Johnson]

Ballistic Products has a good stock of shot. Right now they have a shipping deal $14.99 shipping (USPS Priority) for up to 50 lbs.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

If you are looking to try out your gun and don't have any shot, go to wally world and buy a box of the cheapest 25 rounds boxes for 9 bucks and some change until you can find a bag of shot in the size you want. That way you have already pre-measured charges to use. Just cut the end off the shotshell and pour it down the barrel. Don't pass up gunshows and flea markets. In November, bought 9 bags of old paper shotshells for 20 bucks. There was more than 100 shells in those bags of all kinds of calibers and shot sizes. In those old paper shells, the powder is no good anymore but I bought all the shells he had just to have the shot.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[mnmuzzleloader]

#6 shot for all around what your are looking at shooting for critters is best

 

[Britsmoothy]

Oh...sourcing lead shot, I thought..... doesn't matter....!

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Oh...sourcing lead shot, I thought..... doesn't matter....!

Huh?

 

[Rancocas]

Lead shot of various sizes is readily available in several local gunshops around here.
I prefer #6 for rabbits, squirrels, grouse, etc. and #5 for turkey.

 

[CZMark]

Gun clubs that specialize in trap/skeet often sell reloading supplies.