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Shot
A shotgun shell generally contains multiple projectiles or pellets
called shot. A single projectile in a shotgun shell is called a
slug. Shot and slugs are traditionally made of lead, because that
dense, soft metal puts considerable mass in a small object, and
that mass helps to carry energy to the target.
Environmental concerns have caused all states to limit
or ban the use of lead shot for the hunting of waterfowl (to keep the
potentially toxic lead shot out of the wetlands). Some federally regulated
areas have also banned lead shot for upland bird hunting. So for all
types of waterfowl hunting, and for some types of upland hunting,
non-toxic shot. To check the regulations in the area, and for the game
you will be hunting, use the Upland Life
complete directory to the
natural resource and game regulatory agencies in all fifty states.
Non-toxic shot can be made of or with steel, bismuth, tin, tungsten-iron,
tungsten-matrix, or tungsten-polymer materials. Such materials have
a different density (and thus different ballistics) than traditional
lead shot, and will thus behave differently for the shooter. Though it
can be a little more expensive than normal lead target loads, ethical
hunters will want to practice using the same ammunition with which they
will ultimately hunt. This will make them a more confident shot, and
will ensure quick, humane work in the field. Most shooters new to
non-lead (or lower-lead) shot will find that the shot is faster out of
the muzzle, which means that for close-in shots, they won't have to
lead their targets as much. The lower density shot, though, gives up
its velocity more quickly as it travels through the air, and will have
less punch out at longer ranges. Getting a feel for those differences,
especially for shooters that have long used a favorite lead recipe,
can take some practice.
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