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Services > Lead > Steel Transition > Advice

Advice

What to consider when switching to non-lead shot

Gun Compatibility 

  • Check your gun is proofed for steel (look for the fleur-de-list symbol and "STEEL" marking).
  • Older guns (pre-1970s) may not be safe for steel - bismuth is the safer choice here.
  • Don't use full choke with steel unless it's labelled "steel safe" - use 1/2 (modified) of less.

Ballistics and Range

  • Steel is lighter, drops energy quickly, and has a shorter range.
  • Compensate by going up a shot size (e.g. #9 to #8) or choosing high-velocity loads (e.g.1400+ fps)..

 

Alternatives 

Steel  Most common lead alternative
Much cheaper and more available that others
Lighter than lead		 Affordable
Widely manufactured
Non-toxic		 Harder than lead (can damage older barrels/chokes)
Needs higher velocity to compensate for lower weight
Limited to shorter ranges unless using high-performance loads
       
Bismuth Similar density to lead 
Safer for older guns and fixed chokes
 		 Good ballistic performance
Softer than steel
Non-toxic 
 		 Expensive
Limited availability 
Not idea for high-volume clay shooting
       
Tungsten  Denser than Lead
Used mostly for wildfowling or specialist applications
 		 Best ballistic performance
Small shot size
Effective for longer range		 Very expensive
Rare/specialist ammo

 

Email us: info@cpsa.co.uk

Call us: 01483 485 400

Services

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Clay Pigeon Shooting Association Limited (Company number #3146770). Edmonton House, National Shooting Centre, Bisley, Brookwood, Woking, Surrey. GU24 0NP.

T: 01483 485 400

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