We regulate lead paint - so why not lead bullets?

[mog75]

18. alternatives

I have switched completely to the barnes ttsx bullet for big game hunting. It is a solid copper expanding bullet with a hollow point wedged open with a plastic tip and is far more lethal. For small game I've been using the hornady v-max which is a standard lead bullet with copper cup. Last summer there were some ammunition shortages, so I was forced to try some other options when I couldn't find the v maxes. I was able to get barnes varmint grenade and hornady ntx. (Nosler also now makes lead free bullets as do most other manufacturers.) Accuracy with the ntx was not very good, but usable if shots were kept under 300 yards. The barnes varmint grenade however is right up there with the vmax, and expansion on ground squirrels was aplenty with both of these lead free bullets. I've only shot coyotes this winter with the varmint grenade, but can say they are performing perfectly with no exit holes therefore preserving the hides(currently ~$65 each).
This is my first experience with lead free bullets other than the TTSX, and non toxic for waterfowl, but so far I'm impressed. Not sure where the idea that they cost more comes from, but they are right there with standard cup and core lead bullets. We're not required to use lead free bullets here in North Dakota yet, but they were my only option last summer so thought I would share my experience with those who might worry about it. It's not that bad, maybe even better.