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Ystranc

Settler
May 24, 2019
508
377
55
Powys, Wales
There are no alternatives for small bore (.22) rimfire rifles; there is no material suitable that provides the density at that size.
Luckily small bore rifles used for hunting and pest control are exempt and can continue using lead. Target shooters are going to have to go over onto copper unless they’re at an indoor range that has an acceptable lead recovery policy.
 

Ystranc

Settler
May 24, 2019
508
377
55
Powys, Wales
We might need a separate thread to discuss this, if there's interest. There are some lead alternatives out there but the vast majority of shotgun cartridges sold and used are still lead.

The main alternative is steel, if you are happy to use it in your gun and if you can get hold of it. Things like bismuth and alloys of it and something else if you have an old gun and plenty of money.

Bullets and air rifle pellets have currently escaped the proposed ban but places such as rifle ranges will need to have procedures in place to capture lead.
The issue with bismuth is that it doesn’t form regular shaped shot even when alloyed with other metals so any shot larger than #7 tends to be a bit jagged which can effect the pattern of the shot. It’s also difficult to find but you can buy it as #7 shot to reload with which makes it a bit more economical. Bismuth has already been banned in some countries because subsistence hunters have developed bismuth poisoning.
An issue with some steel shot is that it can oxidise and clump together making it dangerous. Steel shot is also harmful to woodlands and can react with lead shot already laying on the ground’s surface increasing the speed of oxidisation for both steel and lead shot causing an accelerated toxic release.
There was a recent HSE consultation which revised its initial plan for a blanket ban on all lead ammunition in the UK after it was pointed out that it was completely impractical to implement such a ban. Exemptions were written into the redrafted document for air rifle pellets and bullets under .223 used for hunting and pest control because copper composite was unlikely to be effective or humane. Disciplines like outdoor target shooting and practical shooting are going to have to adapt to new ammunition in the next couple of years.
 

Falstaff

Tenderfoot
Feb 12, 2023
62
37
68
Berkshire
An issue with some steel shot is that it can oxidise and clump together making it dangerous. Steel shot is also harmful to woodlands and can react with lead shot already laying on the ground’s surface increasing the speed of oxidisation for both steel and lead shot causing an accelerated toxic release.
I was thinking that the chances of steel & lead shot coming together in woods was pretty low and minimal impact.. then I thought of a clay pigeon shootn school near me, where the entire field is littered with broken clays and there must be a lot of pellets. We camp every year in the same field for a bike rally.
Presumbly the Olmypic shooting categories are going to have to also change ammo?
 

slowworm

Full Member
May 8, 2008
2,058
1,007
Devon
There was a recent HSE consultation which revised its initial plan for a blanket ban on all lead ammunition in the UK after it was pointed out that it was completely impractical to implement such a ban. Exemptions were written into the redrafted document for air rifle pellets and bullets under .223 used for hunting and pest control because copper composite was unlikely to be effective or humane. Disciplines like outdoor target shooting and practical shooting are going to have to adapt to new ammunition in the next couple of years.
The HSE is still working on its recommendations but currently there's no ban on lead hunting bullets and outdoor ranges that capture lead will still be able to use lead. AFAIK.
 

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