your local or next towns trap club should have bags of lead shot in small sizes at club shareing prices.. if you cant find it locally, a large towns cut rate sporting goods store may have it and a friend may be able to pickup some for you when he is over there on a buisness trip.. knickle plated shot is the best ..ive used it in muzzelloading competition and hunting.. you can get it at ballistic products they can be found online.. it comes in 10 pound bags... it will not lead the barrel, wont deform hardly at all and gives best patterns, best pennetration of anything avialable in comprable sizes.. when its really small like 9s tho the size is the same as lead 9s and the knickle reduces density of tthe pellet.. i havent had any trouble with 8s for summer competition.. ballistic products also has 5 1/2 size knickle plated shot when they have it in.. you will find that they only get it in during certain times of the year and it gets sold out often so youll have to be on the ball to get the sizes and amounts you want... it took me many years to get a bag of properly made number 2 knickel plated shot.. this shot cleans up like patched round ball.. no lead, no pattern problems from lead build up.. lead build up also degrades round ball accuracy.. i consider 5 1/2 shot the similar equivelent to number 6 shot from a modern gun becouse of reduced velocity in muzzeloader.. its great stuff for pheasants with muzzeloader.. but then so are 5s and 6s, it depends on your conditions, time of year,temperature(velocity), plumage, size of game, .. etc good luck dave
