I think you're confusing the 2 materials. IIRC the 1944 issues were made from shell casings, largely zinc. The 1943 were "steel".
But then, I haven't paid attention to my coin-collecting for a long while. Could be forgetting the details.
The 1943 Cent is made of 100% Steel, and is coated with a thin layer of zinc."
More here:
http://www.usmintquarters.com/steelcents.htm