Looking at getting one of the small hand held metal detectors to try to find shotgun pellets in my pheasants, grouse, etc...
I found 2 online and don't know anyone who has used these before, so I don't know if they work, for starters, or if one is better than the other. Huge cost difference between the two.
Pinpoint handheld metal detector $20
Garrett Pro $130
I eat quite a few birds every year, and I end up biting a pellet every now and then, even though I run the pieces over a mag light (like an x-ray) to find most of the pellets
Anyone have experience with these types of detectors and finding shotgun pellets? I'm 49 and I don't need another crown
Hunting for Pellets: Handheld Metal Detectors for Game Birds?
Hunting • Asked 3 months ago by Posimew
Posimew
Sep 30, 2025
Daniel
Nov 21, 2025
That's a really common issue! Biting down on a pellet is definitely not fun, and a new crown is the last thing anyone needs. I'm curious about this too, as I've tried the "mag light" method with varying success.
Has anyone here actually used either the $20 Pinpoint detector or the $130 Garrett Pro for finding pellets in game birds? I'm particularly interested to know if the cheaper option is good enough for this specific task, or if the Garrett really offers a significant advantage that justifies the higher cost.
Any real-world experience would be super helpful!
