Lyijyjä

Lyijyjä is a Finnish term that translates to "lead shots" or "shotgun pellets" in English. It refers to small, spherical projectiles made of lead that are used in shotgun shells. These pellets are typically propelled from a shotgun barrel and are designed to spread out after leaving the muzzle, creating a pattern of impact. The size and number of lyijyjä in a shotgun shell vary depending on the intended application, such as hunting small game, birds, or for sport shooting.

Historically, lead has been the primary material for lyijyjä due to its density, malleability, and relatively low cost. Its density allows for effective energy transfer to the target, while its softness makes it easy to form into uniform spheres and reduces barrel wear. However, concerns about lead contamination of the environment and potential health risks associated with lead exposure have led to the development and increasing use of alternative materials.

Non-toxic alternatives to lead lyijyjä include steel, bismuth, tungsten, and various alloys. Steel shot, while widely adopted, is less dense than lead and requires faster velocities to achieve comparable performance. Bismuth and tungsten alloys are denser than lead, offering similar ballistic properties but at a higher cost. The transition away from lead lyijyjä is a significant trend in shooting sports and hunting, driven by environmental regulations and a growing awareness of ecological impacts.