Lead-free cartridges!

The choice of material for the manufacture of shot pellets for hunting cartridges requires consideration of several factors: the spherical shape of the pellets, the density of the material, and its elasticity for energy transfer. In addition, it is crucial that the material be readily available for industrial production while remaining economically affordable for end users.

A quick update on the regulations:

The OFB has already instructed its agents to fine those who violate the regulations.

Here are the new regulations regarding hunting in wetlands:

• The use of lead shot is prohibited in wetlands and within a 100-meter radius of them.
• If you carry cartridges containing lead shot into these areas, you are presumed to have broken the rule, and the burden of proof will be on you to prove that you did not use it.

Reminder : The definitions of wetlands remain constant and unchanged, which means that the notion of temporary puddle which had been mentioned is no longer taken into consideration.

Several types of materials:

1. Steel

Due to their virtually indestructible nature, steel balls retain their spherical shape, while providing excellent spray density.

However, due to their lower density (31% lower than lead), a higher muzzle velocity is required, and it is recommended to increase the caliber of the pellets by two sizes compared to lead pellets to maintain the same final kinetic energy. To ensure optimal performance at longer ranges, it is essential to adjust both the payload and the velocity.

One of the main advantages of steel balls is their excellent penetration capacity (5 to 10% increase). The resulting pattern is more uniform, denser, but also shorter (up to 50% shorter than lead balls). In addition, the cost remains affordable, which is a crucial advantage for shooters and hunters.

2. Bismuth & Alloys

Bismuth or its alloys (Bismuth, aluminum, tin & zinc) are heavy metals, with a density very similar to that of steel, and they demonstrate comparable performance to the latter. The main characteristic of bismuth is its flexibility, which allows it to be used in all types of guns, including those intended for steel balls. This flexibility allows the loading of bismuth cartridges with a traditional wad.

Bismuth's high density and its impact deformation properties result in significant energy transfer. By switching to bismuth, it is possible to maintain the same number of beads as before while still enjoying these benefits.

Substitute alloys are made of lead-free metals that are environmentally friendly. They also have virtually the same ballistic properties as lead in terms of hardness, lethality, and penetration.

Copper: Some cartridges are loaded with copper shot, which is also an excellent alternative to lead and other lead substitutes. Copper has a hardness between steel and lead and an interesting density: Copper: 8.9 kg/l, Steel: 8.0 kg/l, Bismuth: 9.8 kg/l and Lead 11.3 kg/l

The CIP rules

According to the CIP (Permanent International Commission for the Proofing of Portable Firearms) guidelines, there are two categories of approval for lead-free steel cartridges:

• the category “Ordinary Pressure” or in English “Standard Pressure” which will generally be abbreviated to SP
• the “High Performance” category or in English “High Performance” which will generally be abbreviated as HP

Steel cartridges in the "Ordinary Pressure" category are compatible with all rifles tested up to a pressure of 930 bars. If your weapon is accompanied by a sheet from the St-Etienne proof house, you will find the test pressure of your rifle there.

As for the steel cartridges in the "High Performance" category, they are specifically designed for rifles tested for steel balls, with a pressure of 1320 bars and bearing the CIP fleur-de-lis hallmark.

It is strongly recommended to use ½ or smaller chokes (1/2, ¼, Cylindrical) with cartridges in the “High Performance” category.

In both cases, it is imperative that the type of approval of the cartridges is clearly mentioned on the packaging and the cartridge tube.

1st case: SP (Standard/Ordinary Pressure)

• Max cartridge pressure: 830 bar (Maximum pressure varies depending on the caliber)
• Maximum speed: 425m/s at 2.5m
• Diameter for steel balls max.: < 3.25mm
• Detachable chokes allowed: All
• Authorized weapons: Removable chokes only. Tested at 930 bars minimum.

2nd case: HP (High performance)

• Maximum cartridge pressure: 1050 bar (Maximum pressure varies depending on the caliber)
• Maximum speed: 430m/s at 2.5m
• Max. ball diameter: None
• Authorized removable chokes: Ball > 4mm
• Recommended removable chokes: ½ max for all ball sizes
• Authorized weapons: Removable chokes only Steel shot tested at 1320 bars Fleur de Lys marking

Safety: a key point!

Safety is always a crucial point when using a weapon. Here, we will only discuss the specific safety associated with using lead-replacement ammunition in smoothbore shotguns. Safety concerns the weapon's durability, but also the specific behavior of the magazine associated with the use of ammunition containing steel, bismuth, or other lead-free alloy shot.

Regardless of the material used, it is imperative to always strictly follow basic safety rules when shooting cartridges.

It is essential to understand the significance of the proof mark on your barrels, as well as which cartridges are safe to use. Additionally, it is crucial to distinguish between "Regular Pressure" and "High Performance" steel cartridges, and which ones are safe to use.

Always be aware of the possibility of ricochets, especially in aquatic environments, around branches, or within dense vegetation. Never fire a shot unless you are certain of your target and can see it clearly. It is important to avoid mixing cartridges of different calibers.

When using cartridges with a wad made from an alternative material or a so-called "degradable" material, it is essential to ensure constant protection of the barrel and to avoid any damage to the internal walls of the barrels caused by the balls.

Hunting: adapted behavior

Since steel has a lower density, the residual velocity will also be lower, thus requiring a necessary adjustment of your aim (lead). Steel cartridges offer optimal performance at distances ranging from 25 to 30 meters.

Steel bullets are unalterable, and using a choke up to ½ maximum ensures optimal and precise dispersion. When opting for new lead-free cartridges, it is recommended to practice first at a shooting range to better understand the behavior of the bullets and dispersion at different distances.

Comparatively, bismuth has a higher density than steel, allowing for longer range shots, up to 55 meters (60 yards). Bismuth projectiles, unlike steel ones, have greater deformability, meaning you can continue to use your regular chokes.

Alloy projectiles behave in a way that is intermediate between steel and bismuth, and are very similar to lead. It is also advisable to conduct range tests to fully understand the ammunition's behavior in action.

Cartridges and specifications for each caliber

• Cal. 12

• Cal. 20

• Cal. 28

• Cal. 410

Lexicon

• HP stands for High Performance: Cartridges classified as high performance must be used exclusively in steel shot rifles with a pressure of 1320 bars, and they generate a maximum pressure of 1050 bars.
• SP stands for Standard Pressure: Standard pressure cartridges are designed to be fired in rifles tested to 1040 bar and generate a pressure of less than 830 bar. The balls contained in these cartridges have a maximum diameter of 3.00 mm (number 5). The inscription "Standard Pressure" is present on the case.
• Fleur-de-Lys: The Fleur-de-Lys symbol indicates that the shotgun is approved for steel shot. All hunting or sporting shotguns bearing the Fleur-de-Lys mark may use "High Performance" cartridges containing steel shot.

This hallmark is affixed to the barrel of rifles by a certified proof house. On recent weapons, the new hallmark also includes the CIP marking above the fleur-de-lis.