Non-toxic shot: Better for Defense?

[The_Antibubba]

Whenever I see ads for some of the new unleaded shot, especially the newer tungsten ones, something that is always mentioned is that tungsten is heavier and denser than lead. All other factors like shot size being equal, wouldn't this make it more lethal? If cost were not a factor, wouldn't the Hevi-shot and Tungsten Matrix be better for home defense?

 

[Fred Fuller]

I would think so. For example, if Remington would make HeviShot #1 sized buckshot that actually weighed as much as lead 00 does, I think that would make an ideal defensive load. That is, if they could sell it for less than $.50 a round. 8^)

lpl/nc

 

[berettashotgun]

I use #4 hevi turkey loads, got them for $7 a box at wally world on close out, got 23 boxes. Just for sh!+$ and giggles go shoot a car door, not someones car , wear goggles, and you'll be amazed. It convinced me real fast.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Haven't tested any Hevi-buck, and probably won't. Lead works for me. I would like a small supply to work up a 6 pellet Ultra light load to see how tight it patterns, but doubt I'd switch.

Congrats on that bargain,bs. Best price I've seen....

 

[WarMachine]

I'm still waiting on some depleated uranium shot

 

[Double Naught Spy]

I believe you will find that tungsten is not denser than lead.

tungsten 19.25 g/cm³ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten
lead 11.34 g/cm³ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead

So, is it more lethal? According to a duck hunter buddy of mine, tungsten shot is more likely to pass all the way through a duck than lead. If accurate, the shot is not dumping its energy into the carcass, but is taken through the carcass. As such, he finds he gets fewer immediate kills.

 

[research]

Perhaps that was a typo? Tungsten is more dense than lead, as your numbers show, but I can see that it could over penetrate and therefore not transfer all it's energy to the target. However, the example given was a duck. While I am responsible for defending my home from any kind of danger, I do not foresee aggressive ducks as being a problem. On humans the idea may have some merit. Though, the information I have seen is that lead buckshot loads can penetrate 12+ inches of gelatin, which is enough for me. Magnum loads will give you more if penetration is what you are looking for.

What I like is Dave's idea of a low count Hevi buckshot round, giving greater penetration with less recoil and less pellets to worry about. That is an interesting idea I think I might try. I just need to get a reloading system, after I buy a bigger garage to put it in.