The discussion about lead-containing ammunition is becoming increasingly important among hunters. On the one hand, lead projectiles burden both wild birds and the meat of the hunted game, while on the other hand, lead-free ammunition is showing better performance in terms of ballistics and hunting efficiency. In Germany, many forestry companies now mandate the exclusive use of lead-free ammunition, and private hunting ground owners are also increasingly encouraged by state hunting laws to switch to lead-free options. Therefore, now is an optimal time to learn about the leading providers and the latest developments in the field of lead-free ammunition.
What lead-free ammunition is available?
Barnes
Barnes is among the leaders in the production of lead-free hunting ammunition. Their projectiles, such as MRX, TSX, and TTSX, are even used by renowned manufacturers like Norma, Sellier & Bellot, or Sako for their lead-free ammunition. A small disadvantage of the monolithic projectiles is that they can "foul" the barrel, which can only be remedied by chemical cleaning. To avoid this, other manufacturers often coat their copper or tombak projectiles with nickel, which, however, increases the price by about 30%. Prices for a box of Barnes ammunition start at around 70 euros, depending on caliber and design.
Barnes Vor-TX
RWS HIT
RWS HIT is a high-quality deformation projectile that expands 100% splinter-free in the game body. It is made of copper and coated with nickel, which protects the barrel. Despite the higher price, this ammunition is in high demand among discerning hunters because it is precise, reliable, and gentle on the weapon.
RWS HIT
Hornady GMX
With the GMX, Hornady presents a reliable cartridge with a deformation projectile. This projectile is made from a copper-zinc alloy, ensuring reliable expansion even over long distances. Hunters particularly appreciate it because it causes comparatively little bruising in the game body. The price for a box of this ammunition starts at about 70 euros, depending on the specific design and caliber.
Hornady GMX
GECO Zero
GECO relies on the concept of a partially disintegrating projectile for this cartridge. It is particularly recommended for light to medium game, as it is relatively light. This makes it ideal for long shooting distances, as it flies quickly and offers a flat trajectory.
GECO Zero
Sellier & Bellot eXergy
Sellier & Bellot offers the eXergy as an affordable, lead-free cartridge. The hollow-point projectile is classified as a deformation projectile and impresses with its above-average hardness. A possible disadvantage is that complete expansion is not always guaranteed at short distances. However, an advantage is that a pass-through is very likely.
Sellier & Bellot eXergy
RWS EVO Green
For environmentally conscious hunters, RWS offers the EVO Green as an attractive alternative to the HIT, as it is a partially disintegrating projectile. This projectile is made from health-safe tin and features a particularly elongated trajectory. RWS specifically recommends using this ammunition for light to medium game.
RWS Evolution Green
Sako Powerhead Blade
The lead-free Powerhead Blade projectile from Sako is designed to ensure optimal expansion and penetration. The projectile is made 100% of copper and features five special effectiveness levels. The tip of the projectile initiates the expansion, while a reaction chamber ensures that the projectile reliably expands even at low impact speeds, with weaker game, or over long distances. Expansion grooves promote quick and even expansion and contribute to immediate stopping power. An expansion chamber supports controlled mushrooming to the optimal diameter, and an expansion stop prevents further mushrooming, ensuring a high residual weight of the projectile and a safe pass-through.
In which federal states must lead-free ammunition be used?
In Germany, the regulation regarding the use of lead-free ammunition is not uniform. In Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein, hunting is only permitted with lead-free ammunition. In all other federal states, with the exception of Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, the use of lead ammunition in state forests and state hunting grounds is prohibited, but it is still partially allowed privately.
Is lead ammunition banned?
There is currently no complete ban on lead ammunition in Germany. However, it can be assumed that this will also be pushed by the EU in the long term. Only in November 2021 was lead ammunition banned in wetlands across the EU, with the definition of wetlands being quite broadly formulated.
More exciting reports
Exciting, interesting, and informative reports on the topic of rifle ammunition can also be found with our premium partner, the hunting magazine Jagdzeit., for example in the article Reloading - Old Topic Reconsidered.
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