Description
Fiocchi built the Golden Pheasant Bismuth to prove that going non-toxic doesn't mean settling for performance. Using high-density 9.75g/cc bismuth shot in a precision-loaded, moisture-resistant sealed hull, this load delivers the kind of ballistic behavior you'd expect from lead while keeping everything lead-free. The 1-1/4 ounce charge at 1400 fps gives you clean, consistent patterns downrange with the kind of authority that matters when a rooster gets up.
Why Bismuth Makes Sense for Upland Hunting
Bismuth outperforms steel in ways that matter in the field. It's roughly 22 percent denser than steel, which means more energy stays with your pellets as they travel. Your patterns stay tighter, your penetration goes deeper, and your kills stay cleaner. Unlike the brittleness of earlier bismuth loads, modern formulations like Fiocchi's are durable enough to handle solid hits on tough game birds. For hunters working areas where non-toxic is required or simply preferred, bismuth bridges the gap between what you used to shoot and what you need now.
Performance on Roosters and Longer Shots
The #4 shot size in this Golden Pheasant Bismuth load sits in that sweet spot for late-season birds and wild flushes. You get enough pellets on target for dense patterns, but individual pellets carry the mass to penetrate through feathers and bone. The 1400 fps velocity is measured and balanced rather than frantic—you'll notice the recoil stays manageable while terminal performance stays lethal. This load has become a go-to choice for serious upland hunters who understand that payload matters more than raw speed.
Built to Last in the Field
Fiocchi's sealed hulls resist moisture, so your ammo stays reliable whether you're hunting in early morning dew or dealing with unexpected weather. The consistent construction means shot-to-shot performance you can count on. Each box carries 10 rounds, keeping things simple and letting you focus on the hunt.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2.75 inches
- Shot Size: #4
- Shot Type: Bismuth (Non-Toxic)
- Bismuth Density: 9.75g/cc
- Shot Weight: 1-1/4 oz
- Muzzle Velocity: 1400 FPS
- Rounds Per Box: 10
- Intended Use: Upland Game Hunting
- Manufacturer: Fiocchi
- Manufacturer Part Number: 12GPB4
- UPC: 762344712963
- Hull Material: Plastic
- Hull Color: Gold
What’s Included
- 10 shotshell rounds
Frequently Asked Questions
How does bismuth shot compare to steel or lead?
Bismuth is roughly 22 percent denser than steel, which gives it better downrange energy and cleaner terminal performance. It patterns more like lead than steel does, meaning tighter groups and more consistent kills. The high-density 9.75g/cc bismuth in these Golden Pheasant loads also won't damage older shotguns the way steel can, since bismuth is softer than steel.
Will the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Bismuth work in my gun's choke tubes?
Yes, bismuth is safe in any choke system, including fixed chokes on vintage shotguns. Unlike steel, bismuth won't wear out your chokes prematurely. You might notice bismuth prefers slightly more restrictive chokes than steel to achieve the best patterns, similar to how lead behaves.
Is #4 shot the right choice for pheasants?
Number 4 bismuth works well for late-season birds and wild flushes at moderate to longer distances. It delivers the kind of penetration and pattern density that hard-flying roosters demand. If you're hunting early season in thick cover with closer shots, you might consider #5 or #6, but #4 is the standard choice for serious upland situations where range is a factor.
Why is this ammo only 10 rounds per box instead of 25?
The 10-round packaging reflects the premium nature of high-density bismuth ammunition and Fiocchi's quality standards for this load. While it means buying more boxes for longer hunting trips, you're getting precision-loaded shells in moisture-resistant sealed hulls designed for consistent performance and reliability in the field.





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