[Poodleshooter]

Does anyone have a good test for determining shot hardness?
Last night while reloading some #8, I compared some Lawrence shot and some Peruvian "StarShot" using a pliers compression test (IOW, I squished them and measured how flat they became). I was surprised to find that the Peruvian shot flattened less than the "made in the USA" Lawrence.
I've had good luck with the Starshot, and it only runs about $12.95 per 25 lbs. Lawrence is $14.95 minimum.
Any experience with shot hardness or relative quality of US vs. Peruvian shot?

[HSMITH]

Is the Peru shot round? Consistency of size? Can you weigh a fixed volume of it, and weight the EXACT same volume (a shotshell cut in half?) of Lawrence? The weight would be a very interesting comparison, if it is harder it will be lighter too. Where are you getting the shot at?


Lawrence and Winchester shot throw great patterns, and I have tried all the different shot I can find, but I have never tried any foreign shot.

[Dave McCracken]

Over on trapshooters.com a while back this was kicked around. The consensus was that the Peruvian stuff varied in hardness, roundness and being true to size. The best of it was very good, but the next batch might not be up to standard.

Lawrence, and its corporate sibling West Coast, use 6% antimony, and QC is tight. I use West Coast.

For general blasting, the cheaper stuff works effectively as well out to maybe 30 yards for most uses. It's your call.

HTH...

[Poodleshooter]

I'll have to see if I can dig up that trapshooters.com article....
I'm using Star shot #8 for trap and skeet, as well as dove loads. It's easier on the wallet when the shot bag empties so fast.
I use Lawrence magnum #5 for most of my hunting needs (turkey,rabbits,squirrels, pheasant and grouse).
The weight idea is interesting, but I'd have to count them out and also determine diameter in order to eliminate all variables!

I can't complain about the Star shot. I've only patterned it at 25 and 35 yds, but using Federal components and green dot, it throws some beautifully tight patterns, even using chilled shot.
I suppose if it works, why fix it?