My friend had a 308 short barreled thing , it barked like a council estate dog
lead ban, what calibre too chose?
- Thread starter Sol
- Start date
I've always liked to shoot lead free ammunition. Not that I'm scared of lead, I just like the way they perform.
I think the key (and possibly only) issue with it is when velocity drops off. People taking shots at 300m+ tend to see a real reduction in expansion when the bullet slows down at range. I wouldn't know much about that, the stalk is the bit I enjoy and taking the shot is something that comes naturally at the end of that process. I've never had a copper bullet fail to expand that I'm aware of.
I suppose my questions would be how do you like recoil? And what's the longest and shortest shot you intend to take? You've said that you'd like your rifle to be relatively light and that you're fairly small so I think handling a load of guns to see what fits and feels right would be more important than the cartridge it's firing.
I think the key (and possibly only) issue with it is when velocity drops off. People taking shots at 300m+ tend to see a real reduction in expansion when the bullet slows down at range. I wouldn't know much about that, the stalk is the bit I enjoy and taking the shot is something that comes naturally at the end of that process. I've never had a copper bullet fail to expand that I'm aware of.
I suppose my questions would be how do you like recoil? And what's the longest and shortest shot you intend to take? You've said that you'd like your rifle to be relatively light and that you're fairly small so I think handling a load of guns to see what fits and feels right would be more important than the cartridge it's firing.
mjr@460
Member
If you do decide to get another calibre then please consider this;
1. If you believe that there is the remotest possibility that you will shoot on FE land or anywhere where they insist on Factory ammo, then make sure you can easily source Non-lead ammo in your intended calibre.
2. Be aware that a number of MOD ranges currently have an embargo on the use of 6.5mm calibre weapons for what I believe are safety reasons. Not all, but enough to be a headache for owners of the calibre, who through local rifle clubs, use MOD ranges for practice & marksmanship. This may well be lifted at a later date, however still remains in place as of today, 27 May 2026.
1. If you believe that there is the remotest possibility that you will shoot on FE land or anywhere where they insist on Factory ammo, then make sure you can easily source Non-lead ammo in your intended calibre.
2. Be aware that a number of MOD ranges currently have an embargo on the use of 6.5mm calibre weapons for what I believe are safety reasons. Not all, but enough to be a headache for owners of the calibre, who through local rifle clubs, use MOD ranges for practice & marksmanship. This may well be lifted at a later date, however still remains in place as of today, 27 May 2026.
Nah, its because the org is full of bitter old guys . Sending a 6.5mm Cal is no more risk to a 308 etc . Indeed some of the old service ammo is maybe the most dangerous
timbrayford
Well-Known Member
Just keep a fresh looking box that once contained factory and put your reloads in it.
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I run an 18 inch barreled .308 dont notice much differnce between that and my much longer 7mm
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
6.5x55 plenty of ammunition available in copper or 270 or off your really feel keen 3006 just not a creedmoor 
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Do they do soft copper round balls?
mastertech
Member
I use a light .308 for all my stalking, ammo available everywhere good selection of non toxic. Its a Begara B14 with a factory carbon barrel and a thumbhole stock, i am a full time stalker on a large estate so i value a light weight but controllable package.
mjr@460
Member
Yeap, agree, however in my case you tell me who manufactures factory non lead 284Win.
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