I think the difference is that lead shot is likely to be ingested by critters that mistake it for seeds. Stomach acids then cause the lead to break down into the animal's system much quicker than if it is in a 1 oz to 10 lb hunk that sits at the bottom of a river or the ocean. It's not harmless that way either, though.

Regards.

Mike
Woodinville
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Regards.

Finegrain
Woodinville