Scout - 5/13/2008 6:00 AM
Lead shot is still found in some sporting goods stores - mostly for hunters who load their own shells or for muzzleloaders. A couple of shops in each state cater to black powder guys - from them, you can even buy lead musket balls. Many states prohibit the use of lead shot, and the only shot you can buy is made of antimony. Make sure you buy the largest shot you can find. It’s probably going to oxidize unless you treat the surface with rustoleum or varnish. If you use untreated bird shot in salt water, you’ll wind up with a bag of lead oxide ooze in a few weeks. I dive in a Mares Icon with integrated weights. I started with bags of tire balancing weights, tried birdshot and 60 cal. musket balls, moved on to steel 9" carriage bolts, and finally settled on plain old diving weights. - Dive Safe - Dive Often - Scout