DNR Lead Fragmentation Study

[FishingwithJake]

I'm wondering if you guys/gals have read the Lead Fragmentation Study results conducted by the MN DNR and what your thoughts or reactions are. Here is a link:

MN DNR

For years I've used Federal Nosler Ballistic (30-06) ammo which according to the study produced the most lead fragments with the widest area of fragmentation. The study suggests using bullets with no exposed lead or copper to significantly reduce the amount of fragments. However, I just sighted in my new rifle using the ballistic rounds so I'm not sure what impacts changing to a copper round would have.

For those of you who have pregnant wives/girlfriends/family members/friends should really take a read on the study and pass the information along.

What are your thoughts?

[hhguide]

Pretty interesting stuff. I know i'm going to look at the pdf form to look at what bullets I use and compare.

[paul pachowicz]

I personally think this is "much tado about nothing". Think about this; when you process your deer, do you NOT cut out the hydrostatic shock damaged area? Most shots are in the boiler area of the rib cage and are discarded anyway. I don't believe everything that comes out of a researcher. Maybe we should revert to sharp sticks and loin cloths.

[murff]

If the DNR is so concerned about this, why not insist we all use FMJ ammo? It appears the experts are concerned about the fragmentation effects and mushrooming.

[FishingwithJake]

Paul,

I was pretty shocked to see an average of 140 lead fragments with a maximum range of 14 inches from where a nossler ballistic round enters/exits. I use these rounds so I'm a little weary about continuing to use them based on this study. Ingesting lead is not something to take too lightly, especially when you're dealing with pregnant females.

[paul pachowicz]

Jake, I mentioned this on another thread about what I call commercialism in exotic ammos on the market. Those ballistic tips do alotta damage. When they 1st came out I just shook my head. I've never used em and never will or, go for any other "new and improved" gimmicks. So, I guess what I am sayin is that I never concerned myself with lead because I don't use overly explosive ammo or over kill calibers. I suppose there would be concern if a guy was using them. What does concern me is the potential for the gov't to step in and tell us what to use/not use. I don't object to puttin information out there and lettin people make up thier own minds on matters though.

[Bear55]

I guess I would like to see the actually X-rays and CT scans and see the fragment patterns before I start to freak out. If a lot of the fragments end up in the guts I don't think its too big of a deal. I am also guessing that the fragments are going to spread out more on the exit wound side of the deer. The majority of your meat is in the back straps and hind end so if you are careful what you take around the front shoulders you should be ok.

[FishingwithJake]

Bear55,

If you click the link I provided above and watch the Powerpoint presentation of the study you'll see the actual X-rays.

Paul,

I agree with you. I bought a 30-06 with intensions of someday hunting bigger game (i.e., moose, elk, etc.) but use it for whitetail as well. I guess I was sold on the nossler ballistic rounds when they first came out but am beginning to second guess my strategy after reviewing the DNR study. I'll probably look into buying something different this weekend since I need a new box anyway. Any suggestions? I just hope I don't need to sight in my rifle again but I might need to consider doing it anyway. Unfortunately time is running out to do so, but fortunately I am running out of time because I can't wait for opening morning!!

[Hitman54]

Just head shoot em and you don't have to worry about lead fragments!

[Bear55]

Thanks FishingWithJake, I just kind of read the material but I will checkout the presentation.

[paul pachowicz]

here again, factory ammo is a matter of choice. I shoot an 06 as well but, I do hand load. If I were to go with off the shelf I'd go with the 150 grain Remington Core Lockt. I like the RP brass for reloading, of which I stick with. I;ve taken just about every brand of factory ammo apart to see how consistent the powder weights were and they were the most consistent with the powder and bullet weight-in.

[snapcrackpop]

Good presentation. I'm surprised how far the fragments travled!