Steel shot is:

• A. Slightly lighter than lead shot of the same size, harder than lead, and non-toxic
• B. Heavier than lead shot of the same size
• C. Softer than lead shot
• D. Identical to lead shot

Answer: (A)

Steel shot is a non-toxic alternative to lead that is harder than lead. Because steel is less dense than lead, a steel pellet of the same size weighs less than a lead pellet of that size. This combination—slightly lighter, harder, and non-toxic—best describes steel shot. The other possibilities don’t fit because steel shot is not heavier than lead, not softer, and not identical to lead. Its use is driven by environmental concerns about lead toxicity.