Kent Bismuth And The 28 Gauge.....

Fred McIntire

Fred McIntire

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This year, in an effort to deal with the after effects from being hit by the semi tractor trailer rig in July of 2015, I'll be using a new Remington 1100 in 28 gauge.

In researching available ammo, I have discovered that Kent offers a 28 gauge bismuth load; however, they only offer it in #6 shot. Does anyone have experience with using the 28 gauge for waterfowl ? Do you think the #6 shot will work okay for puddle ducks over decoys ?

Any help and/or input is greatly appreciated.....
 
Hi Fred-I have used 6 shot, albeit in a 12 guage, for ducks over decoys in premium ammo(bismuth, tungsten, etc). In tungsten it is all you need, bismuth is lighter, and I think you will be fine, but you have to shoot good and hit them forward with a 28. My gut is your range is to about 30-35 yards with that load (in the head), but a 28 does not carry much actual shot. 20-30 yards you should be in good shape. Keep us informed as to your experience.
 
I see no reason why a well placed shot with #6 shot from a 28 gauge would not work as long as the shots are made within a reasonable distance. 30 yards and closer should be more than ethical especially with quality shot like bismuth. Straight steel I would keep it to 25 yards and under. (Isn't a nice close up committed duck what we all really strive for anyway?) I did some looking around and environ-metal offers their "Hevi-Steel" shot in #4 28 ga. Never used that shot though so I can't attest to its abilities
 
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Fred,

I have reloaded non-toxic for the 28 ga for a number of years. Personally I wouldn't use shot larger than number 6 for two reasons. 1) pellet density. More pellets per load equals a better chance of a lethal dose and at the range you should be shooting - inside 30 yards. 2) this may be a nonissue in a production load but when I tried loading shot larger than #6 they would occasionally bridge in the drop tube and the thought of that happening in my O/U is unsettling.

I have shot divers with the same gun you have with hevi-shot handloads. No issue with killing them if you keep your shots at a reasonable range.

I have used bismuth on occasion but haven't seen the results I wanted.

Play around with chokes and a pattern board to get an optimum load for that gun. It's a sweet shooter when everything works - I had issues with reliability with mine and sold it. I currently shoot a O/U 28 ga. The 28 is an adequate gauge when you understand it's limitations.
 
Hello Fred,
It has been said many, many times ,that the 28 guage is the most uniform load. That being said , if you keep your shots within 25 and underAnd your shooting good, you will knock birds backwards . Only my opinion but way to many people are getting brainwashed by the advertising ,super sonic , 3 1/2 shells etc. yet they will never shoot good enough to be able to take advantage of the kills that are possible with that kind of ammunition.
Yes your 28 guage will do a great job on puddlers over decoys. Have a great season.
John
 
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