Description
B&P has been making premium shotshells since 1885, and their Dual Bismuth line carries that heritage into modern non-toxic ammunition. These 3-inch 12 gauge shells pack 1 1/4 ounces of bismuth payload in a layered construction with different shot sizes working together to maintain pattern consistency.
What Makes Dual Bismuth Different
Bismuth brings some real advantages to the table. It's significantly denser than steel, which means it holds velocity better downrange and delivers more energy on impact. The material is also softer than steel, so these shells work safely in older shotguns with fixed chokes and standard barrels without requiring special equipment. You're not dealing with the barrel wear concerns that come with steel shot. The dual-layer design pairs #3 and #4 shot in overlapping layers, creating more uniform patterns than you'd get from a single shot size alone.
Performance You Can Count On
Loaded to 1350 fps, these shells perform like bismuth should: consistent velocity, regular patterns, and solid penetration. The combination shot loading helps fill gaps and tighten your pattern at distance. Whether you're working upland birds or just looking for non-toxic options where they're required, the engineering here supports reliable field performance. B&P uses their proven wad design to manage recoil and ensure consistent powder burn, which translates to tighter shot strings and better ballistics.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 3 inch
- Shot Payload: 1 1/4 oz
- Shot Size: #3 and #4 (dual-layer)
- Muzzle Velocity: 1350 fps
- Rounds per Box: 10
- Manufacturer: B&P Ammunition (Baschieri & Pellagri)
- Part Number: 12B4DB43
- UPC: 878122008507
- Shot Material: Bismuth (non-toxic)
What’s Included
- 10 shotshells per box
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dual Bismuth shells safe to shoot in older shotguns?
Yes. Bismuth is one of the softest non-toxic alternatives available, which makes it safe for vintage shotguns with fixed chokes and standard barrels. You don't need modified chokes or special equipment like you would with steel shot. Just make sure your shotgun is in good working order before shooting any ammunition.
What's the advantage of the dual-layer shot design?
The combination of #3 and #4 shot in two overlapping layers helps fill gaps and produce more uniform patterns than a single shot size would. This hybrid approach gives you denser coverage downrange while maintaining the penetration benefits of bismuth's higher density compared to steel.
How do these perform compared to lead shot?
Bismuth performs ballistically very close to lead because of its comparable density. At 1350 fps with a solid payload, Dual Bismuth shells deliver consistent velocity and good energy transfer. They won't outperform lead, but they deliver reliable field performance without the toxicity issues.
When would I use these shells instead of other ammunition?
Bismuth becomes the practical choice in areas where non-toxic ammunition is required, or if you prefer shooting lead-free rounds. They're also a good option for hunting vintage shotguns where you want to avoid the barrel wear and choke restrictions that come with steel shot.





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