steel pellets vs lead pellets

[Super-Dave]

suppose you had steel pellets the exact size as the lead pellets.

Would the steel penetrate just as deap as the lead because the steel would not deform? Or would the lead always penetrate deeper than the steel because of its heavier weight?

I ask this question because I am curious how much penetration is lost switching to steel shot over lead?

[Doyle]

If you are talking about penetrating flesh, then the lead will penetrate further. If you have ever dug shot out of a bird while cleaning you'll notice that there is very little distortion in the shot from flattening out - certainly not enough to slow penetration. This is why waterfowlers detest having to use steel shot - it just doesn't kill as clean.

[mikenbarb]

The loss of lethal range is the biggest downfall to steel. Its almost half of lead shot in the same size. The velocity drops quick due to the lighter pellets. If you can afford it you should look into the Hevi-Shot line. They have an amazing non toxic shell line but you pay alot more for it. approx. $3.00 every time you pull the trigger. Bang,Bang,Bang = $9.00:eek:

[banditt007]

i dont think the lack of deformation in the steel pellets allows it to penetrate further than lead. or even the same. i think lead would out penetrate steel in most any situation.

also you can get nickle plated shot which helps deformation as well as shot with higher 'anatomy' (sp?) the ingredient used to make the lead harder.

then as mentioned above you have stuff like heavy shot that is heavier than lead of the same size, AND harder! talk about the best of both worlds. however its very expensive.