What is true about steel shot compared to lead shot?

Steel shot weighs about two-thirds as much as lead shot, which is a key characteristic that affects its performance in hunting and shooting scenarios. This lower density means that when using steel shot, hunters must often adjust their shooting techniques and equipment, such as using larger shot sizes to achieve similar knockdown power as lead shot.

The difference in weight also impacts the energy transferred to the target, as the lighter steel shot may not penetrate as deeply as lead shot at the same velocities. Understanding the characteristics of steel shot informs hunters on how to select the appropriate ammunition for their needs while considering local regulations and ethical hunting practices.