The Impact
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT HUNTERS, STALKERS, AIRGUN AND AIR RIFLE SHOOTERS?
Lead Airgun Pellets
It is positive news that the previous proposal to restrict the outdoor use of lead airgun pellets has been dropped and there are now no restrictions proposed within the current consultation.
This result was thanks to lobbying and the submission of technical evidence from organisations such as the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), Gun Trade Association (GTA), Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA), National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and others.
Lead Shot for Live Quarry and Target Shooting
The consultation proposes a ban within five years or less, depending on the consultation outcome.
BASC and the GTA’s position is that clay pigeon shooting with lead shot could continue where grounds have the correct risk measures in place, and they can ensure lead removal, as per the HSE guidance for target shooting with rifles.
Both organisations support the voluntary transition away from lead shot and single use plastics in shotgun ammunition for live quarry shooting. They believe that further regulation is not required in this area.
However, in this latest consultation both BASC and the GTA will be recommending to the HSE that any transition time for cartridges used in live quarry shooting must take into account the world shortage of components due to the war in Ukraine, and the need for manufacturers and assemblers to source new machinery to produce steel cartridges with biodegradable wads.
Yes
No
Not sure
Lapua among other brands have brought to market their Naturalis range to cater for the need of non-lead ammunition.
Click the top image for a look at how the Lapua Naturalis 6.5X55 SE, all-copper, monolithic ballistic tip non-lead performs. →
Rifle Ammunition for Live Quarry Shooting
No restrictions are proposed currently, but this could change depending on the consultation outcome.
The evidence of secondary poisoning through rifle ammunition is not conclusive and if restrictions were put in place, it would be a precautionary measure.
Ammunition
Many ammunition providers are already ahead of the game. Ammunition like the Sellier and Bellot eXergy Blue range are already being used by professional hunters as an alternative to lead ammunition.
Click the top image for a closer look at how the Sellier & Bellot BLUE eXergy 180-grain non-lead performs in a technical test →
And other brands are following suit.
In early 2024, Federal’s Eurocopper non-lead ammunition will hit the UK market, imported by distributors Viking Arms. Subscribe to Viking’s newsletter to be the first to hear about its arrival:
https://latest.vikingshoot.com/news