Bismuth Size for Diver Ducks, Big Geese, and Brant

[dcob050300]

Hi all, To those of you who use bismuth what shot sizes do you recommend for divers and geese? I will be purchasing both 12 Ga. and 20 Ga. loads. My shots are often at varied ranges anywhere from 20-50 yds. I'm considering Boss but Winchester bismuth, and the Hevi Xii (I know not bismuth) look interesting as well. Thanks!

[Bubblehead]

More importantly than shot size you need to find out what patterns well out of your gun. I’ve been shooting boss for a few years and really like it. 
 

I do a lot of shooting in that 15-25 yard range for puddle ducks and thought 5s would be the ticket. It’s a lot of pellets but I couldn’t keep a good tight consistent pattern so I tried the 3” #4 shot and it’s been absolutely awesome for the decoying puddle ducks and have killed a fair number of divers and geese with them. I also bought some 3” #3s to try and they also patterned well so I do use them when diver hunting and the birds aren’t finishing as well. 

[fab]

Geese I have used f bbb bb and 1s

 

 

[TroutandBucks]

For most ducks I use steel #3 
Bismuth is expensive so you can use either shot size 2,3,4  

[BowhunterNJ]

1 hour ago, dcob050300 said:

Hi all, To those of you who use bismuth what shot sizes do you recommend for divers and geese? I will be purchasing both 12 Ga. and 20 Ga. loads. My shots are often at varied ranges anywhere from 20-50 yds. I'm considering Boss but Winchester bismuth, and the Hevi Xii (I know not bismuth) look interesting as well. Thanks!

Welcome to the site!

[Woody45]

4 hours ago, dcob050300 said:

Hi all, To those of you who use bismuth what shot sizes do you recommend for divers and geese? I will be purchasing both 12 Ga. and 20 Ga. loads. My shots are often at varied ranges anywhere from 20-50 yds. I'm considering Boss but Winchester bismuth, and the Hevi Xii (I know not bismuth) look interesting as well. Thanks!

While I don't use bismuth, I have heard a lot of good things about the Boss 3/5 mixed load. I think that could give you the best of both worlds. 

[dcob050300]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input.

[mazzgolf]

Considering the price of the bismuth factory loads,  I don't want to know how much a pound of bismuth is

[rgw]

I use #2 for everything

[Herd Buck]

Depends where you hunt also, rivers and big water I use BB’s or 2’s… farm ponds or lakes 4’s even 6’s

Edited May 4, 2023 by Herd Buck

[Bmelvin]

I have shot boss ammo for years now. Puddle ducks over dekes 2 3/4” #5.  Late season ducks and Canadas their 2 3/4” #3/5 combo is hard to beat. Their new war chief round is probably the best all around ammo on the market now. Don’t shoot divers very much but #5s have been great. Also bismuth needs to be choked down VS steel.  

Edited May 4, 2023 by Bmelvin

[Basspond]

20 Gauge Boss #4s have performed best for me the last three seasons on puddle ducks and random geese.