non toxic rifle bullets

[Doggone]

I shoot a few foxes on an RSPB reserve, and I've been asked to trial and report on a non toxic alternative to my usual bullets. Not being shooting people, they assume I just go to a non toxic bullet shop and pick up a box or two. I've been to my local RFD, no joy, just derision. Spent a long time on google but can't find a UK supplier of said bullets. Has anyone here any ideas where to look? I shoot 22/250, load my own 50 gn molycoated ballistic silvertip made by Combined Technology (Nosler/Winchester). I'm looking for any .224 non toxic bullet that will act in a similar way to the ones I use. Cost is not a problem at this juncture, cos I aint payin.

Andy

[steve_b_wales]

You can use Barnes Varmint Grenade heads. They are made of alloy and no lead. You can get them in .224, at 55 grn I think. I used them in .243 (62grn) and they were okay.

[Doggone]

You can use Barnes Varmint Grenade heads. They are made of alloy and no lead. You can get them in .224, at 55 grn I think. I used them in .243 (62grn) and they were okay.

 

Seen them on American sites, can you get them in the UK in .224? Just had another thought, I'll have to collect in person or get them sent to my RFD.

Thanks

Andy

[steve_b_wales]

Yes. They are available in .224. Not sure where from though. But your local RFD could probably order some in for you.

 

Steve.

Edited December 19, 2009 by steve_b_wales

[Rem223]

One thing to watch out for though is the metal powder they use in these "environmentally friendly" rounds is not as dense as lead. This means the bullets are relatively long for calibre. If you shoot a 22-250 you probably have a 1:14 twist so the lighter Barnes varmint 36gr will be fine, but the 50gr bullet needs a 1:10 twist. Nosler are also now selling non toxic bullets but I doubt you will see them in the UK for some time. Midway has the 250 box 0f 36gr bullets in stock but not all RFD's are keen on ordering them unless it is a big order.

[casts_by_fly]

all of the barnes bullets are all copper. They have one or two varmint bullets, one being the VG's. I think they had another bullet before the VG's, might have been a super explosive spire point (SXSP?) but I know that is also a hornady designation. Might be worth calling around some Barnes stockists to see if they have any old stock.

 

To be honest, my 'report' would be that you've tried all of the green alternatives on the market and each one required one or more follow up shots because of lack of performance. Because certainly what will happen is:

 

(1) You report decent performance.

(2) RSPB bans all lead in rifle bullets for everyone on every RSPB location.

(3) They push for non lead alternatives everywhere.

 

Thanks

Rick

[Doggone]

Thanks for the replies lads, Midway seem to have most sizes, weights, etc. Just got to make up my mind whether 20 odd foxes a year on this particular land warrants all the working up, testing, rezeroing for lead etc etc . I suppose it's possible that the non toxic would be as accurate and lethal as lead, in which case I could use it all the time. I'm just a bit wary of newish technology that has not stood the test of time, with regards to fouling, erosion and barrel wear. A bit of serious thinking to do! And of course as Rick says I don't really want to ai d and abet new laws that erode our freedom of choice, for no good reason.

Thanks again

Andy

[njc110381]

I'd use Barnes TSX (in fact I do in my 6.5x55). They are very good bullets. I agree with the post above though, I wouldn't shout too much about them being great because it wont do us any favours in the long run. I like the TSX and it wouldn't bother me if that's all I could get. But then someone else may not get on with them and it would be a nightmare if lead was controlled in bullets! It would be the end of home casting that's for sure. Again not a bother for me, but that's not the point

[njc110381]

I'd be interested to hear about it. I don't see the need to throw lead around if there's an acceptable alternative.

[inthedark]

I tried a box of varmint grenades, simply because they have no 'shoot through' (assuming you hit the target!). I found them to be no better than OK, and definately dont kill as well as vmax. You can get them mail order to your door from the States, but my local has them on the shelf. Recommendations? I haven't bought any more.

[njc110381]

I wonder if they'll do any in .17 or 6.5mm? I'm in the unfortunate position of having rifles in calibres that don't often get catered for with this kind of product! Call it bad planning I guess. I may chuck in the 6.5 for a .243

[Beardo]

i noticed there's a Speer TNT Green non-toxis in .224 on Federals site

[inthedark]

njc110381 - how do you find that 6.5 x 55 performs mate? I've read a few articles that rate this calibre above all others for accuracy and pure knock down power but I've never managed to get hold of one or talk to anyone that owns one. I'd be interested to know what you think and how well you get on with it.

[SSS]

Have a look on Midway UK, link is here for you - Midway UK - They do some non-toxic bullets. Barnes are all available aswell

Edited December 29, 2009 by sharp_shooter_sam

[njc110381]

njc110381 - how do you find that 6.5 x 55 performs mate? I've read a few articles that rate this calibre above all others for accuracy and pure knock down power but I've never managed to get hold of one or talk to anyone that owns one. I'd be interested to know what you think and how well you get on with it.

 

 

It's quite good really. Some people love the 6.5, some people hate it and feel it's over rated. Personally I think it's a good calibre for the UK. It's reasonably light but can cope with bigger Deer better than a .243 because of the increased bullet weight. Some people say it's a fine Moose calibre but I feel that may be like the .243 for Red Stags arguement - It will do it, but it probably isn't ideal!

 

If I wanted a calibre just for Deer I'd go bigger if I had a lot of Reds to shoot. In my area we mainly have Roe and a .243 would be fine for that. I wanted something to do it all and also shoot Fox so the 6.5 falls nicely in the middle.

 

A few guys on here use the 6.5 and have a lot more stalking experience than I do. StuartP, HenryD and Drovers are three that spring to mind. It obviously works for them because they'd have changed calibre if it didn't!