What is tungsten super shot made of?

Tungsten super shot is a metal alloy that mixes tungsten, nickel, and iron into a pellet form.

What is tungsten super shot made of?

Tungsten super shot is a mix of 90% tungsten, 5% nickel, and 5% iron. Tungsten pellets are alloyed with other metals, such as nickel and iron, to create TSS pellets. The specific composition of TSS pellets may vary depending on the manufacturer. In addition to nickel and iron, TSS pellets contain a high percentage of tungsten, typically ranging from 90% to 97% by weight.

How dense is tungsten super shot?

The density of TSS pellets is around 18 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). On the other hand, pure tungsten, when in its solid form, has a density of approximately 19.25 g/cc. This means that 100% tungsten has a slightly higher density compared to TSS.

The difference in density between TSS and pure tungsten may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the performance of the ammunition. The higher the density of the shot, the smaller the pellet size that can be achieved while maintaining a similar weight. This allows for a greater number of pellets in a given payload through less restrictive choke tubes, resulting in denser patterns and potentially increased downrange energy.

While TSS is widely regarded as one of the densest and most effective shot materials available, pure tungsten could potentially offer even higher density and performance. However, it’s important to consider factors like cost, availability, and manufacturing feasibility when evaluating the practicality of using 100% tungsten for shotgun ammunition.

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Is tungsten super shot brittle?

Pure tungsten is a relatively brittle metal and is not known for its malleability. It has a high melting point and is extremely hard, making it challenging to shape and deform using traditional methods. Tungsten has a low ductility, which means it does not easily stretch or bend without breaking.

However, tungsten can be fabricated and shaped using specialized techniques. One common method is through powder metallurgy, where tungsten powder is compacted and sintered at high temperatures to form solid objects, such as shotgun pellets. Tungsten can also be machined and worked using diamond tools or electrical discharge machining (EDM) techniques.

In its pure form, tungsten is typically used in applications where its exceptional hardness, high melting point, and resistance to corrosion and wear are required, rather than for its malleability. Tungsten alloys, such as tungsten super shot, combine tungsten with other metals like nickel, copper, or iron, which an exhibit improved ductility and are often preferred for applications that require both strength and flexibility.

Bottom Line: TSS is a mixture of Tungsten, Nickel, and Iron

Tungsten Super Shot is a type of ammunition known for its high density and superior performance. It is primarily composed of tungsten, a heavy metal with a density of 18 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc), but also has smaller amounts of nickel and iron. This density is significantly higher than traditional lead or steel shot, allowing for increased pellet mass and improved penetration.

TSS is renowned for its exceptional downrange energy and extended effective range. While tungsten itself is not highly malleable and is known for its brittleness, TSS ammunition is an alloy better suited for use with shotguns for hunting. TSS pellets are manufactured using specialized processes such as powder metallurgy, where tungsten powder is consolidated and sintered with other metals to form solid alloy pellets. This ensures consistent quality and density throughout the shot, delivering reliable and accurate results.

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