Low yield on batches

[dmashl]

Bottled my 2nd batch today. got only 46.5 bottles out of it. I'm sure I am filling up to the 5 gallon mark on my bucket when I pitch the yeast. Is the trub leaving me with less beer? Should I fill the fermenter up higher before I pitch yeast?

 

[DarksideOTM]

I like to make a 5.25 gallon batch size going into the fermenter. That way when i rack to the keg ( in your case the bottling bucket ) i get 5 gallons, leaving the trub behind.

If your topping up a partial boil, keep in mind you will lower the OG.