Bismuth vs Steel Shot & Which Choke is Best (Full, IM, Modified)

In this video we test some bismuth and steel loads in hopes to find a load/gun/choke combo with a lethal and efficient pattern.
We explain the common practices for pattern testing a duck gun load and how find a high performing load for yourself.
Gel Test Video Bismuth vs Steel - • BOSS Bismuth Vs. Steel...
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[@ryanlynch2628]

What this doesn't show is that the Bismuth will hit much MUCH harder. The same test on ballistic gel would show bismuth to have much more energy especially as you push the range.

[@crexhuntclub]

Yes, we briefly mention this and link a video that runs the numbers on gel penetration in the description.

[@josephsnisky1851]

If effectiveness and structure of the pellets in the shells are always in question and performance that even after numerous videos no conclusion is ever reached. Why in the heck are they so much in cost ?

[@lukemaske9152]

I use the Fiocchi 1 1/4 oz #4 shot. Patterns great and is cheap.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

Just be careful with choke selection. Beretta (as other brands) for instance say no tighter than “Modified” choke with steel shot on their newer guns. Improved Modified is tighter than modified.

[@Hollywood41642]

0.55 I'm think n the shots gonna go through the plywood and hit the paper again... lets see ?

[@kevinburroughs3826]

Nice video on how to pattern your shotgun and load. Well done.

[@crexhuntclub]

Thanks Kevin! I appreciate the kind words.

[@eduffy4937]

Crex hint club as in crex meadows

[@larryrohatsch4892]

Very good vid

[@AngloCelt88]

Does anyone actually realize a "yard" is 3' . NOT the length of both of your feet together???

[@crexhuntclub]

Yes. 3 steps equals 1yd. 90 steps equals 30yds. 120 steps equals 40yds. Simple math.

[@decibellone696]

I was hoping to see which was easiest on my barrel. I pattern on occasion but, i generaly hit what im shooting at... I just dont want to have to rebuild my gun.

[@crexhuntclub]

Which load are you worried about shooting? They will usually tell you with the load what you can and can't shoot.

[@hendrikvaartjes3378]

Interesting results. In regards to the steel shot load, a 1 1/4 ounce load with a 198 pelletcount suggest you have a number 3 size shot there.

[@crexhuntclub]

Agreed, possibly even 4 shot. It was smaller in size when compared to other 2 shot, but it was labeled and sold as 2 shot so we identified it as such. Makes you wonder what compliance and regulation are placed on these products.

[@hendrikvaartjes3378]

@@crexhuntclub Not much. The most common shotsize here in the Netherlands is number 4 shot. Which can be anything from 3,1 to 3,3 mm.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Helpful video. I've never shot 3/5 combo loads before, there are alot of interesting things with that load.

[@crexhuntclub]

A lot of videos used the 12x18 duck targets and imo that isn't a big enough area to give a full understanding of what your load is doing. Hence why we like to take the time to count pattern density within a 30in circle. Not much for shot selection this year so I decided to give the 3/5 blend a try. Bismuth 5's worked great for me last year. I'm optimistic the 3/5 blend will perform just as well, possibly even better for big ducks downrange.

[@crexhuntclub]

After using the 3/5 all season I noticed fewer cripples in comparison to the 5 shot. However, not a world of difference. Hard to quantify without tracking.

[@rickclough8556]

What brand of bismuth? BOSS?

[@crexhuntclub]

Yeah they were Boss.

[@rickclough8556]

@@crexhuntclub My son and i got a hold of some 3 inch no.3 boss shotshells and patterned them in his Beretta and my Benelli at 40 yards..we were so impressed with them that we bought a couple cases...I have never seen such uniform patterns before!

[@crexhuntclub]

@@rickclough8556 Yeah they pattern extremely well for me too. My pattern with an xfull (.690) is best numbers wise and I'm tempted to try it hunting but it's hard to argue with the results in field with a factory full. I used 5's all of last year. I'm guessing the 3's will have some serious knockdown power.

[@rickclough8556]

@@crexhuntclub We are both running .690 chokes as well...we will go with this as we pass shoot a lot of late season geese on strip pits...

[@rickw6521]

@@crexhuntclub I use 3 inch 3's for goose hunting in steel. And i am thinking of using boos for even better knock down power. And yes i am shooting 50 yds with steel and i have very few cripples. i would say 1 out of 10 is a cripple at that range or a little further. And yes i patterned my gun and that is why i get away with what i do.