The brief for this article was to look into what we already know – or rather, think we know – from our past experience with lead shot, and to consider that in relation to what we are told as a result of moves toward using non-toxic shot, primarily steel. It is a massively steep learning curve for all concerned. For shooters, of course, but the cartridge industry has been put in an invidious position.
This situation has come about due to the abruptness with which a proposed ‘five-year voluntary initiative towards phasing out lead for live quarry shooting’ became a ‘non-toxic shot for game entering the food chain’ in the coming game season. This latter mandate was largely brought about by the change in lead-level restrictions in game entering the food chain in Europe, courtesy of the European registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) regulations there.
The UK REACH authority seems set to mirror the continental lead in this. Now our Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has embarked on an investigation with a view to broaden the scope of where lead shot and other projectiles could be outlawed, and in a shorter timescale than the voluntary phase out proposed. This has put cartridge manufacturers – who are already grappling with developing cartridges for this game season loaded with steel shot and biodegradable full-cup wads that steel shot demands – in an extremely difficult position.
Recent tests reported in this magazine have also confirmed the superior penetration abilities that the high-performance lead shot loads can provide. The key question now is, will steel shot cartridges be able to match what we have become used to, performance wise, in the field?
