Bismuth shot good for taking turkey?

[rick32086]

I live in California and we now have to use non-toxic shot. I've narrowed my preferred choices down to Bismuth and Tungsten-Matrix. Bismuth is more economical and looks heavy enough, but my concern is its supposed brittleness and tendency to shatter compared to other materials. It might be OK for ducks, but I don't know about a tough old gobbler. Any experience with Bismuth --- acceptable for turkey, or should I steer clear? And if Bismuth is acceptable, would T-M still be the better choice? Thanks.

[BandedSpur]

I would steer clear of Bismuth. It's more dense than steel, but not as dense as lead, and would likely not break bones as well as HS or HW. If you don't want to handload TSS, definitely go with factory Hevi-shot or Federal HW, both of which would be far superior to Bismuth or TM.

[rick32086]

Thanks BandedSpur.

[wvmntnhick]

Bismuth is great for making tiny holes in paper. Not so great for punching holes in game. I made the mistake once before. Not on turkeys but I'll just say I won't use it again.

[Philippe]

Bismuth is great for making tiny holes in paper. Not so great for punching holes in game. I made the mistake once before. Not on turkeys but I'll just say I won't use it again.

It wrecks ducks and geese just fine thats for sure.

[wvmntnhick]

Bismuth is great for making tiny holes in paper. Not so great for punching holes in game. I made the mistake once before. Not on turkeys but I'll just say I won't use it again.

It wrecks ducks and geese just fine thats for sure.

Considering the options available for ducks and geese, I'll agree. However, for turkeys I'd use something else. My uncle bought a box of bismuth on accident for squirrels. Guess he failed to read the box. I'm quite glad there was only one box at camp because those things packed quite a bit of it back into the holes and nests they ran back to. Totally understand the need for nontoxic shot but there's no substitute for lead or HTL when it comes to game animals. (When discussing shotguns anyway)