What Is Shot?

A shotgun shell generally contains multiple projectiles or pellets called shot. A single projectile in a shotgun shell is called a slug. Shot and slugs are traditionally made of lead.

Due to environmental concerns all states and provinces have banned the use of lead shot while waterfowl hunting. Some federally regulated areas have banned lead shot for upland bird hunting. For all waterfowl hunting and some upland bird hunting, you must use nontoxic shot. Check the regulations of the area where you are hunting.

Nontoxic shot can be made of bismuth, steel, tin, tungsten-iron, tungsten-matrix, or tungsten-polymer materials. Nontoxic shot has different properties and ballistics than lead shot. Successful, ethical hunters practice with the same type of shot they will use for hunting.