R-8-16 Lead Shot is a high-purity lead with a nominal composition of 99.90% Pb, supplied in 8-16 mesh shot with a nominal diameter of approximately 0.18 inches. The larger shot size compared to standard number 9 bird shot provides coarser packing with faster flow through large fill ports and is suited to applications where filling speed is more important than achieving maximum packing density. Lead shot at this size is used for radiation shielding fill around X-ray and gamma radiation sources, dense ballast fill in marine keels and vehicle counterweights, and as a free-flowing high-density fill material in manufacturing fixtures and testing equipment requiring distributed heavy mass.
Available Forms
8-16 Mesh Shot
Product Code
5011
Technical Info
Thermal Properties
Melting Point (Solidus)621°F (327°C)
Melting Point (Liquidus)621°F (327°C)
Physical Properties
Density (imperial)0.41 lbs/in³
Density (metric)11.34 g/cm³
Primary ElementsPb
Lead FreeNo — contains lead
Key Features
0.18 inch DiameterRadiation Shielding FillLarge Shot for Fast FillDense Ballast Material
Nominal Composition
99.90 Pb
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical inquiries regarding R-8-16 Lead Shot
8-16 mesh lead shot packs to approximately 60-63% of theoretical lead density providing approximately 60-63% of the attenuation of solid lead per unit thickness. The larger particle size produces slightly lower packing density than finer shot (fine shot packs to 64-66%) meaning 8-16 mesh shot requires marginally thicker fill for a given attenuation target. For X-ray shielding applications the difference between fine and coarse shot packing is small enough that both are used interchangeably in most designs with the choice driven by fill port size and pour rate rather than shielding efficiency.
In industrial radiography lead shot is poured into steel pipe sections, custom fabricated housings, and existing structural voids to create radiation barriers around X-ray generators, isotope sources, and beam paths. Shot fill allows rapid deployment of improvised shielding for temporary or emergency use and is used to fill complex geometries that cannot accommodate lead sheet or cast lead. A 4-inch deep lead shot fill (at 62% packing density) provides approximately the same attenuation as 2.5 inches of solid lead. Consult a radiation protection specialist for specific shielding design calculations.
Lead shot must be disposed of as hazardous waste under EPA regulations (RCRA hazardous waste classification D008 for leachable lead above 5 ppm in TCLP testing). Do not dispose of lead shot in regular solid waste, storm drains, or soil — this constitutes illegal hazardous waste disposal. Contact a licensed hazardous material recycler or lead smelter for proper disposal or recycling. Lead shot that has been used in radiation shielding applications may also require radioactive contamination survey before disposal if the shielded sources were activated — consult the applicable radiation protection program before disposal.
99.9% Pb lead in sectional ingot shot pig bar powder sheet and wool forms for batteries radiation shielding counterweights and general lead applications.
