Steel equal to lead, study shows
Steel shot kills as effectively as lead up to a range of 50 yards, a new ballistics study has shown.
The study was commissioned by BASC and the Gun Trade Association (GTA) and undertaken at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire. It tested the theories behind moving two shot sizes larger when transitioning from lead shot to steel shot by comparing No 3 standard steel and No 5 lead when shot into a block of ballistic gelatine.
The findings showed lead shot penetrating on average 10mm deeper than steel shot against bare gelatine, but when it was tested against a gelatine block wrapped in pheasant skin and feathers, simulating the real environment, the two materials performed equally.
Peter Marshall, BASC’s head of training and education, said: “These findings show that standard steel shot has the same capabilities as lead shot when you move down two shot sizes.
The results show that the deformation of lead shot impacts negatively on penetration power when shooting wild game compared to the harder steel shot.”
Steven Champion, who is head of lethality studies at Cranfield University, said: “This test highlights that up to 50 yards the lethality of the shot is more a matter of patterning rather than penetration capability.”
Simon West, executive director of the GTA, said: “Game shooters have been asked to go into the field with new ammunition products that have different pattern and penetration characteristics. This academic study will help provide confidence in these new sustainable solutions.”
The study originated following the shooting organisation’s call in February 2020 for a five-year voluntary transition away from lead shot for live quarry shooting.