Lead update.

European Chemicals Agency proposals to ban the outdoor recreational use of lead ammunition use in the EU. Didn't we leave the EU?
Lead in ammunition, and some hazardous substances in tattoo inks and permanent makeup, were the first areas to be reviewed in 2021 under post-Brexit legislation called UK REACH on the control of hazardous chemicals. These HSE reviews came about following Brexit to ensure continued trade in chemicals with the EU post-Brexit. Northern Ireland is excluded due to the NI protocol and continues to be subject to EU REACH regulations (and therefore could be impacted by EU proposals to ban the outdoor recreational use of lead ammunition).

In June 2023 the HSE proposed its recommendation for a restriction on hazardous substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up in England, Wales and Scotland. This was the first restriction HSE has proposed since it took on the role of regulatory agency for UK REACH at the start of 2021. Nothing has happened since.

Lead in ammunition was the second substance subject to review and the next one is the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams.

This is a new process in the UK and there have been no legislative changes as yet.

Defra and the Scottish and Welsh Governments will review the December 2024 HSE report and decide whether to propose legislation (noting the substances in tattoos and permanent make-up were at this stage of review in June 2023 and nothing has happened).

If laws on lead ammunition are proposed this could be the same for England, Wales and Scotland or we could see different laws in different countries - as happened when the lead shot regulations for wildfowl and/or wetlands came into force over 20 years ago. The devolved governments have always had the power to bring in further restrictions (subject to public consultation) regardless of the HSE review.
 
  • Restrictions on the use of rifle ammunition for target shooting on ranges have been dropped - so long as the range can follow best practice on de-leading, which 95% already can.

How is this to be policed to ensure compliance of best practice and has best practice been documented ?
Given the military has ended its inspection and certification scheme for civilian ranges.

A range can be as simple as any land over which one has authority to shoot and adequate insurance.

lots of private operated ranges take advantage of this, how was 95% determined.

 
Given that it looks like a lead ban is on its way we know the ban will mean any bullet larger than 240” will have to be lead free for live quarry, so what’s the position going to be for shotgun slugs where a lead free alternative isn’t available, specifically where slugs (of any calibre)are at present are conditioned for humane dispatch ?
 
Given that it looks like a lead ban is on its way we know the ban will mean any bullet larger than 240” will have to be lead free for live quarry, so what’s the position going to be for shotgun slugs where a lead free alternative isn’t available, specifically where slugs (of any calibre)are at present are conditioned for humane dispatch ?
 
Given that it looks like a lead ban is on its way we know the ban will mean any bullet larger than 240” will have to be lead free for live quarry, so what’s the position going to be for shotgun slugs where a lead free alternative isn’t available, specifically where slugs (of any calibre)are at present are conditioned for humane dispatch ?
Watch this channel for great ideas.
 
Given that it looks like a lead ban is on its way we know the ban will mean any bullet larger than 240” will have to be lead free for live quarry, so what’s the position going to be for shotgun slugs where a lead free alternative isn’t available, specifically where slugs (of any calibre)are at present are conditioned for humane dispatch ?
I have never understood why anybody would use a shotgun slug for humane dispatch. A load with even the smallest shot size is deadly (and safe) if fired at the centre of the skull from close range (and if you cannot get close, then use a rifle). I put down sheep and cows every year and wouldn't dream of using a slug because of the pass-through risk. Even a .410 load with number seven or nine shot will kill a big cow instantly.
 

Dread to think what price they are, however for humane dispatch possibly away forward.
But for the target shooting practical disciplines where they can shoot a lot of slugs I would think they will be to expensive. A lot cast lead slugs and load them to keep the price as low as possible.

However HSE and Government will not care about the financial impact of banning lead on the user.
 
Very interesting thanks.
Looks like at the minute at least it’s only in 12g, I need something in .410g and 20g as they’re the calibres on my ticket, I wasn’t able to see any mention of slugs in the lead ban documentation.
Might there be an exemption for HD ?
For .410

These guys are loading cast lead bullets but I’m sure a lead free .357 bullet would perform similarly, although I have no idea what the terminal effect would be and obvs much more expensive


For 20ga
 
Dread to think what price they are, however for humane dispatch possibly away forward.
But for the target shooting practical disciplines where they can shoot a lot of slugs I would think they will be to expensive. A lot cast lead slugs and load them to keep the price as low as possible.

However HSE and Government will not care about the financial impact of banning lead on the user.
Would sooner use sintered or dust cartridges for dispatch, those are a "Solid".
 
Would sooner use sintered or dust cartridges for dispatch, those are a "Solid".
I have no idea why someone wouldn’t use a standard birdshot cartridge for HD to be honest. I have in the past manufactured specialist cartridges for animals in traps (to avoid damaging the trap) which contained a metal powder.
 
What will be the position for live quary shooters practicing on private land with no means of collecting the lead remnants?
 
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