Stupid question

[yella yelper]

On the FAQ sticky thread, it reports the density of lead shot as 10.6 g/cc.  Lead is really 11.34 g/cc.  Is it figuring an average density of the whole pellet including the less dense copper plating (8.92 g/cc)?  I did pass 8th grade on the second try.  Thanks.

[darn2ten]

Well...it's like this. You'll get a different answer everywhere you look it seems. 10.6 is a little low IMO. Most places you look have it listed anywhere between 10.9 to 11.2. I have always just went with 11 g/cc even. Don't think you can go wrong with that.

[BandedSpur]

The density of pure lead is 11.3 gm/cc. But pure lead is not used in shotshells. The lead in turkey loads, whether coated with copper or nickel or not, is hardened with antimony which is much less dense than lead, leading to the density of 10.6 gm/cc.

[yella yelper]

Makes sense, I figured it was something along those lines.  Thanks for the help, I can sleep now