Non-Toxic Projectiles

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hey Guys,

Ran into a new obstacle, Non-Toxic Projectiles.
We've been drawn for a Special Muzzle Loading Hunt here in Minnesota.
It's in a State Park, we are required to take antler-less only. This will be our 4th hunt there.
Just reading through the Minnesota Law Book and ran into a "New Requirement", Non-Toxic Ammunition Requirements in Minnesota State Parks.
I've been shooting cast bullets with a sabot, so it's not really that big of a change for me except shelling out over $1 per bullet.
I contacted Barnes Bullets, asked what the diameter of the Spit-Fire T-EZ projectile was.
They replied .451" and verified that it was Non-Toxic. So I can remove the sabot which it comes with and place my sabot on to shoot my .54 caliber.
Always changing things, I'm just lucky I read through the book, with about 1 month before the hunt.
I suppose they will make it necessary state wide pretty soon, it's already a requirement on Waterfowl Production Areas.

AntiqueSledMan.

[Hawg]

This is getting ridiculous.

[Retreever]

Quite a few years back, bird hunters were banned from using lead shot over waterways - initially folks switched to steel shot but I guess that tore up birds something fierce then ammo companies came out with bismuth. Alway wondered if bismuth would cast like lead.

Retreever

[ShotgunDave]

I feel your pain ASM. Here in Kommiefornia we can't use lead for hunting. At all. Everything has to be non-toxic, even muzzleloader. It's really turned me off to hunting here. My favorite hunting is for upland birds. I can't do it because I don't have a gun that will shoot steel or bismuth. Guess I'll have to wait until I move the hell outta here to hunt again.

[Hawg]

Why can't you shoot bismuth?

[Zulch]

Before you know it the new laws will read like this. You can hunt here but no guns are allowed on our hunting grounds. Have a great day.

[ShotgunDave]

Why can't you shoot bismuth?

I could if my gun would handle it. But I hunt with an antique SXS. Don't want to run anything but lead in it.

[Hawg]

Bismuth wont hurt it.

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hey Guys,

I already purchased some Barnes Copper bullets,
they came with a .50 caliber sabot which is fine for my son's TC.
But I will slip them into my Harvestor .54 caliber sabots for my Lyman.

Hawg you mentioned Bismuth, can you purchase it for casting?

AntiqueSledMan.

[Sooty Barrels]

belmontmetals.com sells bismuth

[ShotgunDave]

Bismuth wont hurt it.

Thanks Hawg. I'll check it out. Maybe I'll get to bag some birds after all.

[Hawg]

Everything I found says it acts like lead but it is a little lighter and wont hurt old guns.

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hey Guys,

I finally made it to the range yesterday and fired a couple shots with the Copper Bullets.
They act about the same as my cast bullets did,
so if my old eyes can get the sights lined up I might bad something this year.
I hate to admit but my wife is correct, I hate change.

AntiqueSledMan.

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hey Guys,

Received a letter from the Minnesota DNR stating that the "Non-Toxic" projectile rule will be put into effect in 2023.
Apparently they received a lot of messages stating there was none available at the present time. We found some.
However, if one is still using toxic projectiles, they will be required to bag their gut pile and dispose of it in a waist container.
I think I'll just shoot the Barnes Copper Bullets, I have a tough enough time removing the guts much less putting it into a bag.
I guess the reason for the Non-Toxic projectiles is because they are thinking scavengers will consume the lead projectile in gut piles.
I guess I can see it, we have a lot of Eagles around and I'm sure it could happen.

AntiqueSledMan.

[AntiqueSledMan]

Well,

The Barnes Spit-Fire T-EZ's did quite a job.
Very large exit hole, the deer went about 25 yards after I hit it.
We were required to shoot antler-less only, it was a little buck.
We stayed right at the park i a camper cabin, had a good time.

AntiqueSledMan.