Bismuth alloy bullets, update?

[J Miller]

Sometime back someone mentioned they were working with an ammo maker and a casting company to produce lead free bismuth alloy bullets.
I've lost track of who wrote the post and all the other info.

What I'm wondering is:
What is the current status of this?
Will the alloy be available to the public?
Will the alloy work in existing molds?

Or~ Will this be one of those uber expensive factory ammo only things for those who have extra deep pockets?

With lead going the way it's going I'm quite curious about this.

Joe

[20cows]

Or~ Will this be one of those uber expensive factory ammo only things for those who have extra deep pockets?

That would be my guess.

[preventec47]

How does Bismuth compare in density to copper and lead ?

Dont they make some birdshot out of bismuth pellets ?

[J Miller]

preventec47,

How does Bismuth compare in density to copper and lead ?
From what I understand, Bismuth is not lead, does not have the toxicity of lead, but weighs almost as much as lead. It's not as hard as copper either.

Dont they make some birdshot out of bismuth pellets ?
Yes, mostly shot gun ammo for use on water fowl. Where lead has been banned. It's not as hard as steel shot and doesn't damage the chokes on the shotgun barrels.

Joe

[Mike Rintoul]

We're still working on Bismuth bullets. First, the bullet will work in standard molds. Second, they are expensive. We've tried various mixtures - pure Bismuth doesn't work. I've got one that looks promising with a tin mixture. The overall bullet weight comes out between 5% and 10% lighter than the same bullet in lead/alloy. Therefore, the sectional density is less so you have to start with a bullet weight range to get a useable end product. With the cost of Bismuth and very little margin for us the estimated price on a .452 diameter bullet at 270 grains in around $1.00 (each). That may not be horrible for someone who is forced by State law to use such a bullet. One of the goals is to create loads with the same point of impact in lead so that practice can be had with inexpensive bullets and hunting can take place with the mandatory non-toxic bullet. To further ease the cost of the bullets they will likely be available in 20 packs so you can buy only what you will need. More and more I am thinking a .308 caliber bullet would be popular since it could be loaded in 30WCF, 308, 30-06 and the other 300's. We may explore a 158 grain Bismuth in .308 and offer a few other sizes for the handgunners (or handgun cartridges fired from rifles) and muzzleloaders. If you will need Bismuth bullets or loaded ammo for California (or elsewhere), give us a call to discuss it - we value your input!

[J Miller]

Mike,

Thanks for your response. It's the info I was looking for. I'm in IL so I don't "need" the lead free bullets, but with the changing political climate I am curious about these Bismuth bullets.

A question Bismuth rifle bullets. I've never done anything with cast 30 cal bullets simply because I don't shoot near as much as those as I do handgun calibers. With Bismuth rifle bullets, could you run them at factory jacketed velocities for bullets of their weight?

One last question, do you foresee any Bismuth alloy being made available for home casters?

Thanks,

Joe

[Chuck 100 yd]

A month ago in the Fouling shot magazine (publication of The Muzzle Loading Rifle Assn.) the Bevel Bros. had an article about casting and shooting lead free round ball in ML rifles. They said casting good RB with Bismuth was almost impossible but did good with Peuter (sp) .

Trouble is if lead is outlawed,how are the SS storm troopers going to tell if your bullets are lead free? They will not allow any bullets that dont look safe!! You will need a factory carton to get by the law!

[Old Ironsights]

Personal Dream?

A small solar house in the woods with a windmill/turbine + PVs and a Screw Machine in my attached workshop turning out Brass monolithics to spec.

[J Miller]

Personal Dream?

A time machine so I can go back to a point where this country was free.


Joe

[Nath]

Bismuth is prone to shattering! I have found shattered shot in birds!

Errr, who checks?

Nath.