Turkeys: Bismuth or steel shot?

One of the areas I plan to hunt the wild turkey in this spring does not allow lead to be used. Which do you think would be better, bismuth or steel? My gun will chamber up to 3-1/2 shells.

WHat would be a good load of whichever you choose? I use 2 oz. of either 4's or 5's in a lead shell, but many of the steel and bismuth loads tend to run towards BB (geese?). I did find some #4's, although only 1-5/8 oz. in the shell.

I know nothing about using bismuth or steel so any info is appreciated!

Some states don't allow turkey hunting with any shot bigger than #4, whicj might be too small if shooting steel, then you should probably go with the bismuth.

Scott

If you use steel do like you would for geese and go one or two sizes larger. A lot of the guys here use bismuth. We have size limits here so check those too. I prefer the bismuth over steel.

Jeff, Bismuth is very close to lead in density etc. Unfortunately it is also the more expensive of the three. Steel will leave the barrel fast but slows down quickly. That is why those of us who used #4 lead on ducks had to move to #2 or BB to get similar ranges...but much fewer pellets. That is why the 3.5 inch 12 came about. If I were you I would try some #2 and #4 Bismuth and some #2 and BB steel on the pattern board at 40 yds. Let your gun/choke decide for you. Also a shot of each at a pine board to evaluate energy at that range might help.