Lead shot has been used to provide variable weight in stress testing systems. Shot pours from a hopper into a basket, which is connected to the test item. When the test item fractures, the chute closes and the mass of the lead shot in the basket is used to calculate the fracture stress of the item. Shot comes in three sizes: B, BB and BBB.

Split shot, that is shot cut half through has been commonly used as a line weight in angling. Lead is used for bullets and shot, chiefly because of its high density. Shot alloys have been given as 99.8 Pb, 0.2 As, or 94 Pb, 6 Sb.