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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: Alanheal on January 18, 2015, 12:50:54 PM

Title: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Alanheal on January 18, 2015, 12:50:54 PM
I bought 6 tins of Daisy Lead Free pellets. I use these to shoot indoors and they're very accurate in the guns I have.
BUT... After a few minutes shooting I end up with a coating on my fingers that looks exactly like what happens when I used lead pellets.  So I'm  wondering if the place they're manufactured (China) is pulling a fast one.  Is there some way to test for lead short of a lab?

Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: DavidS on January 18, 2015, 01:08:20 PM
With any pellets (even the lead ones) the coating that gets on your fingers is the solid lubricant that the pellet is coated in, often based on graphite and does not contain lead.

So you are just getting the lubricant on your fingers.
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Matt15 on January 18, 2015, 01:30:44 PM
What guns are you shooting them out of? Lead free pellets can be shot from PCP, Pumpers, and Co2 but should NOT be shot from break barrels.  ;)
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: yak on January 18, 2015, 01:47:26 PM
Matt.. I don't use them, but I am curious as to why they cannot be shot from breakbarrels.
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Matt15 on January 18, 2015, 01:50:02 PM
Matt.. I don't use them, but I am curious as to why they cannot be shot from breakbarrels.

They are so light it is the same as dry firing your gun. It can lead to broken springs and damaged piston seals.  ;)
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: yak on January 18, 2015, 02:05:38 PM
Matt. Thank you. I'll be sure never to try them in those guns..
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Matt15 on January 18, 2015, 02:08:48 PM
Matt. Thank you. I'll be sure never to try them in those guns..

No problem.  ;)
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Alanheal on January 18, 2015, 02:38:10 PM
Lead free pellets can be shot from PCP, Pumpers, and Co2 but should NOT be shot from break barrels.  ;)

I have a Stoeger X5, Two Daisy 880's and a Weihrauch 40 pcs pistol.  They all shoot dead straight with these pellets.
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: NickB79 on January 18, 2015, 03:13:00 PM
Even though the X5 is a break-barrel, it's such a low-powered version that lead-free pellets will probably be OK in it.

Anything much more powerful, however, is a big no-no.
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Alanheal on January 18, 2015, 03:27:25 PM
Even though the X5 is a break-barrel, it's such a low-powered version that lead-free pellets will probably be OK in it.

Anything much more powerful, however, is a big no-no.

   Yes, I understand. I tried it with a few of these light 5.6 grain pellets and the firing cycle was absolutely smooth. It shoots these lead free pellets as well as lead.  I also have 6.48 grain lead free H&N Baracuda Green which I used for shots at 100 ft.

The Weihrauch 40 loves the Daisy and the H&N. green.
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Matt15 on January 18, 2015, 10:05:53 PM
Even though the X5 is a break-barrel, it's such a low-powered version that lead-free pellets will probably be OK in it.

Anything much more powerful, however, is a big no-no.

Roger that.
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: GungaDin on January 19, 2015, 12:12:30 AM
There is an airgun range in Massachusetts that does not allow lead pellets. I suspect they aren't trying to hassle anyone, but are circumventing town and/or state hazardous waste regulations. It is possible down the road some states may ban lead pellets outright. I've seen heavier lead free pellets sold, maybe someone here could post a minimum pellet weight for those shooting springers who may be stuck in a "lead free" environment.
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Tater on January 19, 2015, 02:04:41 AM
In general, for a 12 fpe springer 7.9 - 10g is about the middle of the safe range for weight. YMMV
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: Alanheal on January 19, 2015, 06:38:10 AM
The heaviest lead-free pellet I've found....than has good aerodynamics is the 6.48 grain H&N Baracuda Green. I wish there were heavier ones that could fly. I've tried the few others on them market but they didn't work well.  One other option is the H&N Field target trophy power, which are lead but have a copper coating.  When shooting into soft targets like ballistic putty, the copper coating holds up somewhat, but anything harder and the lead is exposed.  I've written to a couple pellet manufacturers suggesting heavier lead-free, but no one has acted on that to date.
Title: Re: Lead Free? Pellets
Post by: GungaDin on January 19, 2015, 01:23:47 PM
Quote
I've written to a couple pellet manufacturers suggesting heavier lead-free, but no one has acted on that to date.
That's too bad, because at least in some states I sense lead free might some day be mandated. The pellet manufacturers need to get on the ball.