In reality a lesser density in the shot mat'l results in more pellets per ounce.
Miller, you are correct of course, and that was a brain-fart on my part. A given volume of lead #6 shot as compared to steel #6 shot should be virtually identical in number because they are the same sized spheres, but certainly not in weight. At equal velocities, the lead shot will have significantly more foot lbs. of energy per pellet. Roster also claimed that steel shot which had the same kinetic energy as equal sized lead shot had greater killing power because it penetrated deeper. That seemed rather dubious and misleading too since the steel shot would have much less sectional density per pellet. If the steel and lead shot were of equal size, the steel shot would have to have a much higher velocity to have equal energy and it would not flatten any upon impact. But that is like saying that a full metal jacketed bullet has more killing power than an expanding bullet of equal kinetic energy just because it will likely penetrate deeper. He completely ignores the wound channel as a factor in killing. I guess he missed all the evidence of more crippling when waterfowl hunters were forced to change to steel. And I wonder which one is more likely to crack a tooth if you missed one while cleaning your game?
