Those that already know this will gleam nothing from it, but those that have not experienced shooting with plated shot may want to take notice!
While separating some pheasants and chukars today, in preparation for making some pies, I noticed something interesting about the different shot in the birds.
Some meat had a few #5 and #6 chilled lead, while other parts of the meat had 7 1/2 nickel plated lead in it - this was due to the fact that I hunt with friends that do not use nickel plated shot, but 7 1/2 is all I use for my pheasants, as well as my son uses it as well.
The interesting thing that I found was that the nickel shot was clean, and deeper than the larger, unplated shot.
The unplated shot also was coated with feather!
Now, I started using Nickel plated shot last year on the advice of my gun dealer, Will Bilozir, and simply took him at his word - he never steered me wrong before.
Will explained the unique quality of plated shot not balling up in feathers , thus tending to penetrate better, and also leaving a cleaner wound channel.
I did notice it after our pointer party last August, but after very close examination today, I was surprised at just how much of a difference there is between plated and unplated shot !!
Although it is more expensive, my observations today most certainly proved to me that it is worth it to use plated shot on birds.
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