Still have questions?
We understand that making the switch to lead-free alternatives might seem complicated. We hope that the below questions and answers help you make an easy transition. If you have further questions, contact us, or speak to a ballistics expert directly.
Lead-free Ammunition
1. Why should I use lead-free ammunition?
Lead-free ammunition is recommended to reduce environmental and wildlife health risks associated with lead exposure. Scientific studies have shown that lead from ammunition can contaminate ecosystems, posing risks to wildlife, including scavenging birds and mammals. The shift to lead-free alternatives helps mitigate these risks.
Scientific Support:
- Pain, D.J., et al. (2009). “Potential hazard to human health from exposure to fragments of lead bullets and shot in the tissues of game animals.” Environment International, 35(5), 951-956.
- Haig, S.M., et al. (2014). “The persistent problem of lead poisoning in birds from ammunition and fishing tackle.” The Condor, 116(3), 408–428.
- Golden, N.H., et al. (2016). “A review and assessment of spent lead ammunition and its exposure and effects to scavenging birds in the United States.” Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 237, 123–191.
- Fisher, I.J., et al. (2006). “A review of lead poisoning from ammunition sources in terrestrial birds.” Biological Conservation, 131(3), 421–432.
- Green, R.E., et al. (2022). “Impacts of lead ammunition on wildlife and humans: A review and solutions.” AMBIO, 51(1), 22–36.
2. I have doubts about the efficacy of lead free ammunition!
Yes, lead-free alternatives such as copper-based bullets have been shown to be effective in terms of accuracy, performance, and terminal ballistics comparable to traditional lead-based ammunition. Studies indicate that modern lead-free ammunition can meet the needs of hunters and shooters without compromising performance.
Scientific Support:
- Schulz, R., et al. (2022). “Comparison of terminal ballistic performance of lead and lead-free bullets in ballistic gelatin.” Forensic Science International, 328, 110991.
- Thomas, V.G. (2013). “Lead-free hunting rifle ammunition: Product availability, price, effectiveness, and role in global wildlife conservation.” Ambio, 42(6), 737–745.
- Knott, J., et al. (2010). “Evaluation of non-toxic ammunition for the killing of deer in the UK.” The Veterinary Record, 166(9), 270–273.
- Trinogga, A., et al. (2013). “Fragmentation of lead-free versus lead-based hunting rifle bullets.” PLoS ONE, 8(9), e71699.
- Oltrogge, V., & Cooper, J. (2021). “Lead-free bullets: Performance and potential.” Journal of Wildlife Management, 85(6), 1248–1257.
3. Why should I care about the impacts of lead on the environment?
Lead-free ammunition reduces the risk of lead contamination in soils, water sources, and wildlife habitats. This contamination can persist for decades and affect non-target wildlife through ingestion or secondary exposure. Switching to lead-free ammunition helps protect ecosystems and reduce environmental clean up costs.
Scientific Support:
- Mateo, R. (2009). “Lead poisoning in wild birds in Europe and the regulations adopted for hunting ammunition: A review.” Environmental Policy and Governance, 19(5), 302–318.
- Pain, D.J., et al. (2019). “Reducing lead poisoning of wildlife in the European Union through improved regulation of lead ammunition.” Science of the Total Environment, 748, 141388.
- Arnemo, J.M., et al. (2016). “Health and environmental risks from lead-based ammunition: Science versus socio-politics.” EcoHealth, 13(4), 618–622.
- Epps, C.W., et al. (2022). “Lead ammunition restricts the effectiveness of conservation efforts in protected areas.” Conservation Letters, 15(1), e12828.
- Gremse, C., & Rieger, S. (2015). “Lead from hunting ammunition in wild boar meat.” European Journal of Wildlife Research, 61(5), 729–735.
4. I’ve been using lead ammunition all my life – is lead exposure really a concern?
Yes, lead exposure from traditional ammunition remains a significant concern. Wildlife, especially predatory and scavenging species, can ingest lead fragments from carcasses or gut piles left by hunters. Even low levels of lead exposure can impair health, reproduction and survival in affected animals.
Scientific Support:
- Hunt, W.G., et al. (2006). “Lead ingestion by scavenging birds of prey.” Journal of Wildlife Management, 70(1), 228–232.
- Hydeskov HB, Arnemo JM, Lloyd Mills C, Gentle LK, Uzal A. A Global Systematic Review of Lead (Pb) Exposure and its Health Effects in Wild Mammals. J Wildl Dis. 2024 Apr 1;60(2):285-297. doi: 10.7589/JWD-D-23-00055. PMID: 38345465.
- Kelly, T.R., et al. (2011). “Impact of the California lead ammunition ban on reducing lead exposure in golden eagles and turkey vultures.” PLoS ONE, 6(4), e17656.
- Plaza, P.I., et al. (2019). “A review of lead contamination in South American wildlife.” Science of the Total Environment, 689, 1160–1170.
- Finkelstein, M.E., et al. (2012). “Lead poisoning and the deceptive recovery of the critically endangered California condor.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(28), 11449–11454.
5. Switching to lead-free ammunition seems challenging…
Challenges include availability and cost of lead-free alternatives, as well as concerns about performance differences compared to traditional ammunition. Awareness among hunters and shooters about the environmental and health impacts of lead is crucial for widespread adoption. Efforts to promote education and increase access to affordable lead-free options can facilitate the transition.
Scientific Support:
- Thomas, V.G., & Gremse, C. (2015). “Review of the availability of non-lead hunting rifle ammunition for wildlife conservation in the EU.” Biological Conservation, 182, 287–296.
- Anderson, W.L., et al. (2000). “Sociological and political aspects of reducing lead exposure from spent ammunition.” The Journal of Wildlife Management, 64(2), 564–573.
- Macdonald, R.A., et al. (2021). “Understanding hunter decision-making regarding lead ammunition use.” Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 26(3), 244–259.
- Cromie, R.L., et al. (2015). “The sociological and practical challenges of reducing lead shot use in shooting sports.” Environmental Science and Policy, 50, 361–369.
- Green, R.E., & Pain, D.J. (2015). “Risks to human health from ammunition-derived lead in Europe.” Ambio, 44(Suppl 2), 221–234.
6. Why is lead-free ammunition a more ethical choice for me?
Ethical hunting involves minimising harm and suffering to both wildlife and the broader ecosystem. The evidence for the harm posed to wildlife from lead bullet fragments is now overwhelming. Choosing non-lead ammunition reflects a commitment to conservation, animal welfare, and public health, aligning with responsible hunting practices. The perceptions, in a changing world, of hunting as an acceptable practice will be assisted by a voluntary transition by hunters to non-lead ammunition or, at a minimum, the implementation of effective measures to minimise the amount of lead left in the environment. Ultimately, this will assist in maintaining societal support for the tradition.
Lead-Free Sinkers and Fishing Tackle
1. But can lead-based fishing tackle really harm wildlife and ecosystems?
Lead-based fishing tackle is a major source of environmental lead pollution. Lost or discarded sinkers and jigs are often ingested by crocodiles and waterbirds, mistaking them for food or gastroliths/grit. This can result in fatal lead poisoning, even from small amounts.
Scientific Support:
Scheuhammer, A.M., et al. (2003). “Environmental contaminants and the health of wild birds.” Ecotoxicology, 12(1–4), 17–60.
Pokras, M.A., & Chafel, R. (1992). “Lead toxicosis from ingested fishing sinkers in common loons (Gavia immer).” Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 23(1), 92–97.
Franson, J.C., & Cliplef, D.J. (1992). “Lead poisoning in swans in the United States.” Environmental Pollution, 76(3), 229–233.
Golden, N.H., et al. (2016). “A review and assessment of spent lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle exposure and effects to birds in the United States.” Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 237, 123–191.
Rattner, B.A., et al. (2008). “Sources and implications of lead ammunition and fishing tackle to natural resources.” The Wildlife Society Technical Review 08-01.
2. I trust the fishing tackle I use. Are lead-free alternatives really effective and available?
Yes. Lead-free alternatives for sinkers and tackle—such as those made from tungsten, bismuth, tin, steel, and ceramics—are commercially available, effective, and increasingly adopted by anglers, especially in areas with legal restrictions on lead.
Scientific Support:
- Haig, S.M., et al. (2014). “The persistent problem of lead poisoning in birds: A review of solutions and alternatives.” The Condor, 116(3), 408–428.
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (2010). “Lead-Free Fishing Tackle: A Practical Guide.” MPCA Publication wq-wt4-43.
- US EPA (2009). “Evaluation of the toxicity of non-lead fishing sinkers made of alternative materials.” EPA 744-R-09-001.
- Thomas, V.G., & Guitart, R. (2010). “Limitations of European Union policy and law for regulating use of lead shot and sinkers: Comparisons with North American regulation.” Environmental Policy and Governance, 20(1), 57–72.
- Scheuhammer, A.M., & Birkhead, M.E. (2001). “Lead fishing weights and other fishing tackle as sources of lead exposure in birds.” Canadian Wildlife Service Occasional Paper, No. 108.
3. What are the main barriers to the adoption of lead-free fishing tackle?
Key barriers include cost, lack of awareness, limited availability in some markets, and resistance from anglers due to performance concerns or tradition. Education and regulation are essential to increase adoption.
Scientific Support:
- Twiss, M.P., et al. (2011). “Public education needs for lead-free fishing tackle among Lake Ontario anglers.” Journal of Great Lakes Research, 37(4), 648–654.
- De Francisco, N., et al. (2003). “Lead intoxication in wild birds in Spain: A review.” Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 22(12), 2670–2674.
- O’Hara, T.M., & Fair, J. (2003). “Lead poisoning of birds from ingestion of fishing tackle: A North American perspective.” Environmental Reviews, 11(1), 1–9.
- Scheuhammer, A.M., & Norris, S.L. (1996). “The ecotoxicology of lead shot and lead fishing weights.” Ecotoxicology, 5(5), 279–295.
- Munthe, J., et al. (2015). “A review of the impact of lead in outdoor activities on the environment.” Swedish Chemicals Agency Report, 7/15.