Lead Ban Chronicles – Quickie from Minnesota and a New Non-Lead Ammo
Yeah, it’s New Year’s Day and I’m sure most of you are hoping for some good news for 2009. Well, hate to break it to you, but this one isn’t necessarily so great. Minnesota hunters need to get involved in this discussion, and quick!
What’s the deal? According to this Minnesota Public Radio article, State Representative, Sandy Masin plans to introduce a bill to restrict or ban the use of lead ammo in the upcoming session.
State Rep. Sandy Masin, DFL-Eagan, says yes. Masin hasn’t worked out the details of her legislation, but she thinks there should be a ban or significant restrictions on the use of lead bullets.
“We know that it’s impacting the death of birds, and we also know we’ve been working really hard to keep lead from our children,” said Masin. “Somehow there has to be a way. This is within our environment and we need to find a way to curtail it.”
Anyway, this thing is far from over.
On a brighter note, it looks like Hornady has finally managed to come up with their own entry to the non-lead ammo market! The new Hornady-GMX bullet is composed of gilding metal, similar to the Nosler ETip. According to the Hornady site, the new bullets will be available as loading components in .277, .30, and .338 calibers. They are also available as loaded cartridges in .270 win, 7mm rem mag, 30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, .300 WinMag, and .300RCM. (I’m a little surprised they’re not loading them for the .338 Marlin Express, but I suppose they’re not suitable for tube-fed rifles.)
I look forward to speaking to the folks at Hornady when I’m at SHOT in a couple of weeks. If things go well, they’ll hook me up with some test ammo to take on an upcoming hog hunt so I can let you all know my first-hand experience.
Well, that’ll be interesting to watch. Minnesota’s an interesting state – pretty damned liberal, but very, very hunting-oriented. I was pleased last year to see how quickly the Legislature smacked down the proposed dove-hunting ban. But lead’s another issue…
January 2nd, 2009 at 5:59 am
Yeah, there’s been a lot of back and forth over this issue in MN, but they’ve spent an awful lot of money so far (testing bullet fragmentation, x-raying donated venison, etc.), so somewhere there will be a push to justify this expense. A lead ammo ban may be the outcome that they want to see.
I just hope reason prevails, but the only way it will is if MN sportsmen get informed and get vocal. There are constructive approaches that should appropriately address the health concerns of individuals and the State’s level of accountability for health and welfare.
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:09 am
It’s good to hear about Hornady. I especially look forward to hearing about the sub-.30 cal. rounds’ performances. It would be great for your ‘Shootinest Gentman’ to get a round that expands properly out of his .270.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 am