I am thinking about ordering a couple of flats of waterfowl loads to use in my HE's and Wildfowl guns this season and I was wondering if any of you had any insight on these loads.
Of course loads will generally pattern somewhat differently in different guns but thoughts on these loads in our old duckers would be appreciated.
I am leaning toward the TM because the size 3 is intriguing.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Jess
Bis-Max
3" 1-3/8 #4 1,400 fps
3" 1-1/4 4 1,300
3" 1-5/8 4 1,250
TM
3" 1-1/2 #3 1350 fps
3" 1-1/4 3 1525
Super Fox Loads?
Super Fox Loads?
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Jim Cloninger
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Hi Jess, I have been a bismuth user for ducks and geese for a long time and especially in my old Fox guns. I believe that the slower velocities of factory bismuth shells duplicate better the type of shells these old guns were designed for. TM, I believe is better suited to newer guns or Fox guns with replacement stocks and is a terrific waterfowl shell. I have used TM in my model 21 Winchesters. I have 2 HE's and have done some pattern testing with Bismaxx bismuth shells. So far, I have only tested 2 3/4" loads but in the next couple of weeks I will be testing the 3" loads. If I were you, I would not eliminate considering 2 3/4" shells and shot sizes #4 and #5.
Here is what I have found testing in a 1923 HE and a 1928 HE:
The shells I tested were - (1) Bismaxx 2 3/4" 1 1/4 oz #4 (207 pellets); (2) Bismaxx 2 3/4" 1 3/8 oz #4 (244 pellets) and (3) Bismaxx 2 3/4" 1 3/8 oz #5 (286 pellets). The tests were done at 40 yards and the percentages were calculated by the number of hits in a circle with a 30" diameter.
The 1923 HE (3"gun) gave nice even patterns for all 3 loads tested : 79%/80% for (1), 66%/74% for (2) and 74%/86% for (3).
The 1928 HE (2 3/4" gun) also gave nice even patterns for all 3 loads: 85%/80% for (1); 74%/72% for (2) and 78%/75% for (3).
I hope this helps. I will let you know how the 3" Bismaxx loads pattern when I complete my testing. Jim
Here is what I have found testing in a 1923 HE and a 1928 HE:
The shells I tested were - (1) Bismaxx 2 3/4" 1 1/4 oz #4 (207 pellets); (2) Bismaxx 2 3/4" 1 3/8 oz #4 (244 pellets) and (3) Bismaxx 2 3/4" 1 3/8 oz #5 (286 pellets). The tests were done at 40 yards and the percentages were calculated by the number of hits in a circle with a 30" diameter.
The 1923 HE (3"gun) gave nice even patterns for all 3 loads tested : 79%/80% for (1), 66%/74% for (2) and 74%/86% for (3).
The 1928 HE (2 3/4" gun) also gave nice even patterns for all 3 loads: 85%/80% for (1); 74%/72% for (2) and 78%/75% for (3).
I hope this helps. I will let you know how the 3" Bismaxx loads pattern when I complete my testing. Jim
Goodbye Mandy, once in a life time hunting dog. I miss you every day.
Jim.
Thanks for the reply and info
It will be interesting to see yoiu further test results. I just ordered 1 flat of the 2 3/4 inch 1 1/4 #4 from cabelas. They are on sale with free shipping.
Jess
Thanks for the reply and info
It will be interesting to see yoiu further test results. I just ordered 1 flat of the 2 3/4 inch 1 1/4 #4 from cabelas. They are on sale with free shipping.
Jess
"I have more than I need, but not as many as I want"
"The search continues on many fronts"
Life Member, A.H. Fox Collectors Association.
"The search continues on many fronts"
Life Member, A.H. Fox Collectors Association.