Lead Ban Chronicles – Adapting to lead-free shot
There’s been a lot of griping and complaining and resistance to the lead ammo ban (and much of it with good cause). There’s also been a lot of hype about why it’s necessary and the “right thing to do”. But what we could use is more info about what to do with non-lead ammo. We have it. In many cases we have to use it. So what?
I’ve had a bit to say over time about shooting non-lead in rifles. Make sure you zero with the new ammo. If you have trouble with the Barnes, try a lighter load, and if that doesn’t help, give the ETips or GMX bullets a try. And work on your accuracy, so you can do everything possible to make your shots count.
But how about non-lead shotshells? Sure, we’ve been using them for waterfowl for years now, but what about for upland birds? Is it different? Thanks to Kat for sending me this link to an article in the Women’s Outdoor Wire about switching to non-lead for dove hunters. Apparently this is a new law in Kentucky, and a couple of other states are going this way as well.
Of particular note in the article are lessons waterfowlers have already learned. Open up your choke (try improved cylinder instead of modified), because steel tends to hold a tighter pattern.
“You need to practice with steel shot,” said Rocky Pritchert, migratory bird program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “It shoots a lot different than lead. It holds its pattern much truer because the pellets don’t deform in the barrel. All of those pellets arrive on target quicker.”
The lack of malleability in steel means you don’t want a tight choke on your shotgun. “I never use more than improved cylinder,” Pritchert said. “I use it the whole season. If I can shoot ducks and geese with it, I am not worried about doves.”
Also, steel is faster than lead, so you’ll need some time on clay targets to learn the proper lead on flying targets. A little time at the patterning board wouldn’t hurt either.
Anyway, it’s good to get a little constructive info about lead-free ammo in addition to the ongoing pro vs con debate. If it’s here, let’s make the best of it.
I’m happy with the Winchester #7′s I found at my local giant, mom-and-pop-eating store, for six bucks a box. Unfortunately, the local small shop doesn’t carry anything close to these.
If I had to, I’d use the Kent fasteel #4′s, too. I did it while snipe hunting last year, and shot better than ever. I’m all about finding the cheap, effective shotshells. Also, if I can hit a snipe with them, I guess I can hit a duck. Although, I wish somebody would tell the ducks!
August 28th, 2009 at 5:49 am