Birdshot

t84a · Aug 26, 2014

Ok, I'll start by stating this isn't reloading related but involves one of the materials. With that said, I'm making a lead "snake" to put inside the handlebars on one of my motorcycles. What was posted on the bike board I frequent was " fill a plastic tube with birdshot." I have the tubing-5/8" od. So now I need to fill it and then seal the ends with caulk and fish it into the bars. My questions are is "birdshot"something I just ask for and is this sold in any gun shop, ideally in the Frederick/Hagerstown area?

BradMacc82 · Aug 26, 2014

Just ask for loose shot??

t84a · Aug 26, 2014

Thanks. Do you think Hendershots sells it? Do I just take my tubing and say fill it up?

BradMacc82 · Aug 26, 2014

I honestly couldn't say, normally don't have any experience with shotgun reloading or it's supplies.

You could probably use lead shot also.

BradMacc82 · Aug 26, 2014

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/shotshell-components/shot/eagle-magnum-lead-shot-prod54058.aspx

Blacksmith101 · Aug 28, 2014

Shot comes in different sizes and alloys. The higher the number the smaller the diameter of each pellet, a #8 is smaller than a #4. Smaller shot will pack tighter in your tube. Since you are looking for weight buy the least expensive alloy the harder alloys will cost more but you arn't worried about shot deforming and messing up your shotgun pattern. You will probably have to buy a whole bag of shot I have never seen it sold loose by the pound.

rseymorejr · Aug 28, 2014

You might want to find someone that reloads shotshells and see if you can get some from them. I think you'll have to buy 25 pounds at a time.

byf43 · Aug 29, 2014

t84a said:
Ok, I'll start by stating this isn't reloading related but involves one of the materials. With that said, I'm making a lead "snake" to put inside the handlebars on one of my motorcycles. What was posted on the bike board I frequent was " fill a plastic tube with birdshot." I have the tubing-5/8" od. So now I need to fill it and then seal the ends with caulk and fish it into the bars. My questions are is "birdshot"something I just ask for and is this sold in any gun shop, ideally in the Frederick/Hagerstown area?

How big of a tube are you trying to fill??????

Blacksmith101 said:
Shot comes in different sizes and alloys. The higher the number the smaller the diameter of each pellet, a #8 is smaller than a #4. Smaller shot will pack tighter in your tube.
Since you are looking for weight buy the least expensive alloy the harder alloys will cost more but you arn't worried about shot deforming and messing up your shotgun pattern. You will probably have to buy a whole bag of shot I have never seen it sold loose by the pound.

I see 5/8" diameter. How long?????

I've got some #9 shot.

Depending on how much 'shot' you need, have you given any thought to BBs??????? I think you can still buy BBs over the counter. :shrug:

Pinecone · Aug 29, 2014

BBs are steel, so a lot lighter for the volume than lead shot.

The smaller the pellets, the more densely you can pack them, for more weight in the same space.

J Beard · Aug 29, 2014

What's the purpose leading your bars?
Lead shot is typicaly sold in 25# bags

t84a · Aug 29, 2014

byf43 said:
How big of a tube are you trying to fill??????

I see 5/8" diameter. How long?????

I've got some #9 shot.

Depending on how much 'shot' you need, have you given any thought to BBs??????? I think you can still buy BBs over the counter.

About 30" maybe.

J Beard said:
What's the purpose leading your bars?
Lead shot is typicaly sold in 25# bags

Reduce vibration.

DutchV · Aug 29, 2014

Unless you've got a friend that reloads, you'll end up buying a 25 lb bag of shot, and having most of it sit around for the rest of your life. Might be simpler to buy a few boxes of target loads and cut them open for the shot.

I did a set of flat bars awhile back. Mixed the shot with fiberglass epoxy, plugged the other end and dumped the slurry in. Worked pretty well, too. If you find yourself near Bel Air, I'll hook you up. The bag's got plenty left.

byf43 · Aug 29, 2014

t84a said:
About 30" maybe.

Reduce vibration.

I have not a clue as to how much (how many pounds) of shot it would take to do that.

I do know that I've got over 25 lbs of #9 shot.

t84a · Aug 30, 2014

What's the safest way to remove the shot from shotgun shells?

rseymorejr · Aug 30, 2014

Probably the safest way is to pull the trigger!

The second safest way would be to cut around the end of the shell, just below the crimp, with a carpet knife.

t84a · Aug 31, 2014

I think it would take about 100 shells to fill the tube. I'll head up to Hendershots to see what they have. I may just buy the Barsnake made for motorcycles for $50 if I strike out. Thanks for the replies.

byf43 · Sep 1, 2014

If you buy shotshells to 'reclaim' the shot, do some 'ciphering' first.

Shotshells with smaller shot (larger number) will contain about 1 oz to 1-1/8 oz of shot.

With today's prices, you'll pay a small fortune (a lot more than $50!) for enough shot to fill the tube you're trying to make.

You might as well buy a bag (25 lbs) of #9 or #12 shot. You'll most likely find #9 easier.
So that you can pack the tube with more shot, don't go with any larger than #8 shot.

Pinecone · Sep 1, 2014

You can buy a 100 round pack of Federal at Walmart for under $20.

1.125 ounces per round = 112.5 ounces of shot = 7 pounds 0.5 ounces.

BigDaddy · Sep 1, 2014

The FAQ's at http://www.barsnake.com/
say it weighs 1.5 lbs. The ID of your tube is only going to be 1/2" or so. Your cost of lead just dropped considerably if that's all you need.

Do you have a friend that duck/goose hunts that has lead #2 or 4's that he can no longer use?

t84a · Sep 2, 2014

I went the shotgun shell route. It actually didn't take that many. So what would be the responsible way to dispose of the empty but live shells? Thanks

Birdshot

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

USCG Master

Ultimate Member

USCG Master

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Grumpy Old Man

Ultimate Member

SCSC Life/NRA Patron Life

Ultimate Member

Deplorable Member

USCG Master

Ultimate Member

SCSC Life/NRA Patron Life

USCG Master

Ultimate Member

USCG Master

SCSC Life/NRA Patron Life

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

USCG Master

Attachments

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics