In European legislation, efforts are intensifying to restrict the use of lead-based ammunition not only in hunting but also in the field of sports shooting. This development could have significant impacts on the sports shooting community.
Lead is known for its high density. To manufacture projectiles without lead but with the same weight, they must be made from other materials that have a larger volume. Since the diameter of the projectiles is determined by the caliber, this inevitably leads to longer projectiles. This poses a challenge for manufacturers to maintain caliber dimensions, or they must seat the larger projectile deeper into the case, which in turn reduces the space for the propellant charge. A reduced propellant charge can lead to critical overpressure during ignition.
Longer projectiles are also more susceptible to instabilities in free flight, due to an increased lever effect. This requires a tighter twist rate to prevent the projectiles from tumbling and to ensure precision. There is therefore a risk that existing firearms may be less precise with these longer projectiles.
Furthermore, the alternative materials are generally harder than lead, which can result in increased wear on the barrel. This is another factor that could potentially affect the lifespan and maintenance costs of firearms.
An aspect that should not be underestimated is the cost issue. Lead-free ammunition is often significantly more expensive than conventional ammunition with lead projectiles. For hunters who only use one to two boxes of ammunition during the season, this price increase may still be manageable. However, for sports shooters, who often fire thousands of shots per season, a lead ban could dramatically increase expenses. In some cases, these increased costs could even become existentially threatening.
The upcoming regulation therefore poses a significant challenge for the sports shooting community, requiring the adaptation of both new materials and technologies while managing the economic burdens.
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