Nickel plated shot gives the hunter such benefits as denser, more consistent patterns with fewer stray pellets and increased range and penetration than non-plated shot. Nickel plating helps the shot pellets retain their original aerodynamic spherical shape during firing and passing through your shotgun's choke. Nickel-plated shot pellets are rounder and therefore fly through the air with less resistance, helping to increase their velocity at impact. This increased velocity, combined with a resistance to deformation on impact with your game, contributes to deeper penetration. In short, Fiocchi's nickel-plated shot contributes to a more successful hunt. This is loaded ammunition.