Bismuth, the specialty shot that is superior to steel in most every aspect, has been gaining traction with not only shooters of classic firearms, but also with hardcore hunters who recognize its many benefits. Though price is a factor, it’s impossible to place a dollar value on moments in the duck blind, pheasant fields, and goose layouts. 

Why should you consider adding non-toxic bismuth to your ammo shelf? And once you’ve made the decision to hunt with it – whether waterfowl or upland birds – which rounds are best? We answer those questions and more.

About Bismuth

In general terms, bismuth is considerably denser than steel, in some cases as much as 25 percent. In the field, that translates into harder hits with more energy retained downrange. In addition, bismuth allows for higher pellet counts than comparable steel loads. Like its counterpart, it’s also one of few nontoxic shot types legally allowable on hunts for migratory birds. 

One of the most positive qualities of bismuth, though, has actually been appreciated for decades by collectors and shooters of fine older firearms. Its metallic properties, including softness, make bismuth shot safe to fire through classic shotguns, which can be damaged by the majority of other shot types, including steel. Those qualities have driven bismuth loads to into the arsenal of many upland hunters, especially those going afield with classic doubles. 

If you’re intrigued, here are our recommendations for top-notch bismuth offerings for different types of hunting. 
 

Hevi-Shot Bismuth

Shooters and hunters who already use specialty shots will surely recognize the Hevi-Shot name. The company has been leading the charge in that space, having crafted its own shot for decades. For those reasons, hunters will find by far the widest selection of bismuth loads under the Hevi brand. In fact, Hevi offers multiple loads in each chambering – .410 bore, 16, 20, 12, and even 10-gauge – and in a variety of hull lengths, shot charges, and pellet sizes. 

The odd man out is 28 gauge, which is a shame in such an otherwise complete inventory. Prices range from $63.99 to $111.99 per 25-round box, but there’s no question about what you’re getting with Hevi. It’s a mover and shaker, with loads zooming up to 1,500 FPS. Whether loading a classic sub-gauge for an upland hunt or stoking a magnum repeater with heavy hitters, Hevi Bismuth has the bases covered. 
 

Federal Hevi Bismuth

Federal’s Hevi Bismuth is a recently introduced offering, but it has deep roots. Noting “Hevi” in the name, astute readers will remember the Vista Outdoor acquisition of Hevi-Shot’s company a few years back, linking it to the Federal brand also under its umbrella at this writing. 

Federal Hevi Bismuth makes use of pellets alloyed and cast by Hevi but loaded by Federal. The shot rests in Federal’s proven FliteControl Flex wad, the same rear-deploying wad used in several of the company’s other longer-range hunting shotshells. 

Its initial launch is an industrious one, with three 20-gauge loads with #3, 4, and 5 shot. The six 12-gauge choices include 2.75 and 3-inch hulls with the same shot sizes as the smaller 20. Retail pricing spans $66.99 to 76.99 with velocities up to 1,450 FPS. We launched some through our trusty Winchester SX3 in preparation for upcoming waterfowl seasons, and from the looks of things, geese and ducks ought to be put on notice. 
 

Kent Bismuth

Like Hevi, Kent Cartridge has long been committed to providing specialty shotshells to both hunters and target shooters. Kent’s specialty offerings have been around for a good number of years yet continue to fly under the radar. 

Kent offers two main selections for hunters interested in leveraging bismuth shot: Bismuth Upland and Bismuth Waterfowl. The former can be had in a delightful bunch: 28, 16, and 20 gauge, along with three 12-gauge offerings, all in #5 or #6 shot. The latter Waterfowl can be had in a single 20-gauge option and three 12-gaugers, each with either #4 or #5 shot. 

On Guns.com, prices start at $49.99 per 25-round box and increase as you move up to 1,450 FPS. A few years back, we found exceptional results with 16-gauge Kent Bismuth loads in a vintage Belgian Browning Sweet Sixteen. The pheasants may not have known the difference in loads, but the rounds sure didn’t hurt in route to an epic day in the field. 

Winchester Bismuth

Winchester’s entry into the specialty shot game is one of the newest on our list. Though we haven’t yet had a chance to pull the trigger, we can see some definite draws in the field. Winchester’s load is clearly advertised as being buffered, claiming “50 percent more pellets in a 30-inch circle at 60 yards when compared to non-buffered payloads.”

There’s also a two-piece wad system, lacquered primer, and double-seal wad to aid in water resistance. Winchester Bismuth comes in 20-gauge with 1 1/8 ounce of #4 shot, and two 12-gauge 1 3/8-ounce boxes – a #1 for geese and #4 for ducks. It touts a reasonable price point, starting at $49.99 per 25-round box, cruising up to 1,450 FPS. We’re seriously interested in that #1 option, which makes it the largest, boldest load on the mainstream bismuth market.