Request comments on reloading 12 gauge shotgun with mix of non-toxic shot

[wasa]

I'm a big pistol caliber reloader and I was pondering getting into shotgun reloading.

What I want is to make my own migratory game hunting loads that are "better" than regular steel shot but not as expensive as bismuth or tungsten. So, my idea is to load a mix of steel and (say) bismuth. Making up numbers, 75% by weight steel, 25% by weight bismuth.

Good idea? Dumb idea? What could be some of the caveats? I don't have a shotgun press but I see Amazon has the Lee press for less than $100. I have lots of hulls (and can get more once-fired from my local trap range). I would have to buy primers, powder, wads, etc. but then I could make my own duck, goose, and dove loads (Ontario hunting).

Thanks

 

[thegunnut]

Look on the Hevi Shot website at their "Hevi Metal" ammunition.
Note the comment about ballistic behavior variances between the two shot mediums.
Re- inventing the wheel when reloading is never wise unless you have a ballistics lab at your disposal.

Perhaps a look at BPI website would yield some insights as well.

 

[3macs1]

Reloading steel is a different ball game, higher pressures and you have to follow published , tested recipes exactly
Start by buying a RSI reloading for steel book
I do duplex loads for steel but never seen anything for steel/ bismuth. I have reloaded both separately however in 12 and 10ga
Plus where do you buy bismuth in canada today. The original bismuth is no longer make and banned in some areas and the second version new and improved has not seen the shelves that I know of
Plus when I reload steel it is one at a time by hand and I have dozens of machines for all gauges
Cheers

 

[Bluedevil25]

Don’t start mixing shot! Buy a good recipe book.