37 replies to this topic

[slingshot_sniper]

Only danger from using lead ammo for me is it being in the same pocket as my Maltesers or gum balls ....oops!

[Jacktrevally]

Just also want to add, the amount we deal with is just small but always be careful! Common sense prevails, I wouldn't recommend my kids to cast or melt that stuff, as you may know in the u.k leads are being slowly been removed from the fishing market being replaced by a subtitute material. The small stuff are but the bigger one are still there and was to be replaced by ceramic.

Having said that, have you ever been in a galvanising factory! I bloody have! I don't want to be that guy behind that mask! I can't stand near that stuff for more than 15mins! They melt zinc in tons, not lead... but if you get what I'm saying!

[Northerner]

Jacktravally made a good point about sensitivity. Some people can be sensitive to certain metals or other substances. If you are one of these people who has problems with lead then stay away from it. I know people who get very sick when they are around latex paint that is drying. High sensitivity.

Some airgun pellet containers have warnings about possible birth defects, etc. It's a potential problem that should not be ignored. As was posted above, I have seen messed up blood levels from shooting firearms with improper ventilation. Be aware of lead dust and fumes. Thankfully this isn't much of a problem for slingshot shooters but we should still take precautions.

Wash your hands after shooting.
Don't handle or eat food while shooting.
Cast in a well vented area, preferably outdoors.
Don't use a metal backstop when shooting indoors.

From Crosman web sight:

Lead airgun ammunition contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other reproductive harm). Do not inhale dust or put pellets in mouth. Wash hands after handling.

Remember that many substances that we use can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Even some wood finishes can cause problems.

Here is a pic of my living room window. Stained glass with lead between. My master bedroom has the same window but a bit smaller.

Cheers,
Northerner

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[Jacktrevally]

Allow me to share couple of little tip.

I shoot lead, but don't cast it anymore.

Where do I get mine? I visit tackle shops and have a chat with the owner and ask them if it is possible to buy defective lead bullets or olive type. I.e balls that don't have a hole or slightly deformed balls, believe me they have plenty and they usually give me for free! I know that in the U.K they do put it aside if asked! They have bigger leads too tgat can be re-melted but I stay away from these.

Second tip, is bicycle repair shops, plenty around. I asked them for used bb's in 6mm, They're a bit greasy but soaked in mild dish washing liquid get them clean quickly. These are my source. However, I can't get steel balls bigger than 8mm in bulk locally

[Northerner]

I wonder if paint, varnish or urethane will stick to lead. A coating should keep the lead from touching your fingers. The balls could be placed on a screen and sprayed. Dipping might work but they would have to be separated somehow when drying. Wax might stick too.

I have a few lead balls drying right now. I'm trying some spray paint that I had sitting around. I started by cleaning the lead with vinegar, rinse, dry, primer, and white paint. A painted ball would be good for practice with a cloth backstop.

Cheers,
Northerner

[Jacktrevally]

Fluorecent spray paint or spray varnish\ lacquer will definetly stick on them and also epoxy paint.

[Northerner]

Auto paint seems to stick but I'll have to wait until it's completely dry before shooting. It's still a bit tacky.

Cheers,
Northerner

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•  lead 006.jpg   87.34K   6 downloads

[peash00ter]

i don't shoot lead because i don't want to have even a semi toxic substance near my house
but i used to do alot of glass work with lead and i seem fine...i think.......
anyways my teacher has been working with lead and glass for 20 years and is fine but she said always be cautious and get a lead level check every so often.
i guess you can see the level of lead at the doctors
but also most people aren't melting lead every day of their lives. but id have to say better to be safe than sorry
btw i also would recommend putting a vent fan to suck up the fumes, like the fumetraps for soldering.
and yeah make sure to have ventilation because the fumes easily get to your head( personal experience)

[wombat]

bullseyeben!, on 12 September 2011 - 04:24 AM, said:

wombat, on 12 September 2011 - 02:18 AM, said:

haha well that helps explain why so many shooters are "shooting blanks!!"

Lol I thought I was too, until 3weeks ago, I found out I'm gonna be a dad! Due in March the lil fella, well, I hope its a fella...

haha Congratulations!!
i guess this means you'll have to start making little BB shooters.

[bullseyeben!]

Thanks mate yea already got a few made hahaha.. ill have a protege'

[slingshot_sniper]

If you're really worried why not just use a non greasy barrier cream? its what is recommended when handling metals,crease and suds

[-SRS-45-]

peash00ter, on 12 September 2011 - 05:35 PM, said:

i don't shoot lead because i don't want to have even a semi toxic substance near my house

Agreed all my lead gear is kept in the shed and never enters the house, I also count my shots in and out. They are never shot where kids might play. This is because I have young kids and they love to shove things in there mouth, just simple but effective precautions. Lead can really mess up young children from what I've read.

Take it with a pinch of salt though as so can bleech and we all have that in our houses. Its just about knowing the dangers and taking simple precautions.

Edited by -SRS-45-, 14 September 2011 - 03:12 AM.

[-SRS-45-]

slingshot_sniper, on 13 September 2011 - 05:19 AM, said:

If you're really worried why not just use a non greasy barrier cream? its what is recommended when handling metals,crease and suds

Best idea I reckon