Alternative to Lead...

[mustad]

So my wife has asked me not to use lead this year; primarily due to her health concerns related to my 4 year old. Whether or not her claim is valid is not what I wish to debate, but am curious to find out what those of you that don't shoot lead choose.

Right now, I'm thinking about using Bismuth; mainly because it's so similar to lead that I probably wouldn't notice any differences. Let me know what you think.

cheers,

[psandhu]

How many shells do you shoot in a season, and what do you shoot them at? steel is ok, but not great. If you just go pheasant hunting a few times a month I would go with hevishot. If you are going after doves, steel would be a much more economical alternative.

[mustad]

I will be hunting for woodcock, ruffed grouse and snowshoe hare. I don't think I'll go through more than 100 shells. Last year, I probably went through 30-40 shells, but I didn't hunt quite as much as I will this year.

Cheers,

[moosehunter21]

I use Federal steel for Ruffed Grouse... Seems to work quite well... I shoot about 250 shells a year with targets and grouse.

[psandhu]

30-40 shells a year, get kent tungsten maitrix. better than lead or bismuth.

[mustad]

Thanks psandhu,

I actually just pulled the plug on the bismuth cartridges. If I run out, I'll give the Kent a go.

Cheers,

[ryanaller]

Prepare to open up your wallet if you plan on using Tungsten. That stuff is not cheap in comparison to lead.

[jaysweet3]

Yeah, it isn't cheep but when you are only gonna go through 3 or 4 boxes a little extra dough may not be a bad thing. Especially if you aren't hunting that often.

[porknbeans]

What is the upside/downside of using the Tungsten (other than the cost) over Bismuth? I have to admit, I'm pretty much in the same boat as mustad although I probably shoot 3-4x the shells per year.

[Nord QC Bouman]

For small game I would use Steel certainly in 6+ shot size.