question about non toxic shot

[Woodsman4God]

Hi guys,

For those who get into specifics about shot density ,penetration, lead deformation etc , I was reading about some nontoxic tungsten alloy shot that is a little lighter than lead ( 10.0 g/cc) but stronger due to the tungsten, would this shot pattern better than lead hypothetically because the shot would be less likely to deform? Just curious.

thanks
Leo

[allaboutshooting]

Hey Leo,

You raise a really good question. As you know, one factor that can affect how well a particular load patterns is deformation of the shot that's in it. It is for that reason that magnum lead shot has more antimony than chilled lead shot, to make it harder and less resistant to being deformed at set-back and as it makes its way down the barrel, through the choke and out the muzzle.

Tungsten based shot can vary greatly in hardness, depending upon the other alloys and percentages of each but all that I've seen were much harder than magnum lead shot. It does not deform upon set-back or while on its trip down the bore and out the muzzle. It holds tighter patterns because it cuts through the wind more easily and retains more energy, terminal velocity, than lead shot. Penetration is also enhanced due to all those factors.

Patterning can of course be very dependent upon many other factors, the type of wad used, crimp, powder, muzzle velocity and buffer to name a few.

All things being equal however, harder shot should pattern better than softer shot.

Thanks,
Clark

[redarrow]

Great explanation Clark. I have also read that because it is harder and penetrates deeper you can use smaller shot sizes. 8s or 9s, and since it is lighter you get a larger payload (pellet count) thus increasing density of pattern.Down range energy is a plus and increases distance for ethical kill shots.With that said regardless of what I'm shooting I draw the line at 40 yards.