 The density difference between lead ( density 11 @.@ 32 g · cm − 3 ) and bismuth ( density 9 @.@ 78 g · cm − 3 ) is small enough that for many ballistics and weighting applications , bismuth can substitute for lead . For example , it can replace lead as a dense material in fishing sinkers . It has been used as a replacement for lead in shot , bullets and less @-@ lethal riot gun ammunition . The Netherlands , Denmark , England , Wales , the US , and many other countries now prohibit the use of lead shot for the hunting of wetland birds , as many birds are prone to lead poisoning owing to mistaken ingestion of lead ( instead of small stones and grit ) to aid digestion , or even prohibit the use of lead for all hunting , such as in the Netherlands . Bismuth @-@ tin alloy shot is one alternative that provides similar ballistic performance to lead . ( Another less expensive but also more poorly performing alternative is " steel " shot , which is actually soft iron . ) Bismuth 's lack of malleability does , however , make it unsuitable for use in expanding hunting bullets . 
