Horst and McCann, Inc. Indoor Gun Range Ammunition Policy 11/04/06 We at Horst and McCann, Inc. are dedicated to the protection of both our clients and employees. Coupled with our excellent, state of the art ventilation system and backstop, the use of lead safe ammunition will ensure years of safe and healthy enjoyment of the shooting sport for our shooting community. Many of our fine customers have inquired about what ammunition is suitable at our gun range, as they understand that we are happy to permit the use of customer supplied ammunition. It is our hope that this brief synopsis of lead safe ammunition will help "clear the air", (so to speak), about this somewhat confusing subject. Definitions:
As evidenced by the above photos, there is a significant difference between Full Metal Jacket Bullets and Total Copper Jacketed bullets. A Full Metal Jacket Bullet is not actually as defined, as the base of the bullet has an exposed lead core. Why this is significant:
The jackets of traditional full metal jacket bullets only cover part of the bullet - and solve only part of the lead vapor problem. As a result, the base of the lead bullet core is exposed to hot gases, causing the formation of lead vapor as the ammunition is fired. Overexposure to lead vapor can cause serious health problems, including brain and kidney damage, nervous and reproductive disorders, hypertension, and paralysis. Once lead has been absorbed into your bones and organs, it can remain there for as long as 40 years. Results of numerous studies confirm that disturbingly high blood lead levels are found frequently among shooters, range workers, and others in the shooting area at firing ranges. In one recent study, for example, 89% of the shooters exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit for occupational exposure to lead, after firing non-jacketed lead bullets. Another study by the U.S. government found the average airborne lead concentration in a group of ranges was 53 times greater than the OSHA limit.
Other studies have found elevated blood levels and numerous symptoms of lead poisoning among shooters at outdoor as well as indoor ranges.* Why we are doing this: We want to stay in business for a long time. We don't want anyone harmed. Unfortunately, some shooters find these restrictions objectionable, as there is a cost associated with shooting lead safe ammo. Some bargain basement ammunition is even listed as "Range Ammunition" when in fact it is nothing more than Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition. This ammunition can be purchased at a significantly reduced price, but what is the trade off? Remember, lead poisoning essentially goes unnoticed until it has manifested itself in a significant way. Lead poisoning can kill people, it can cause birth defects, impotence, and is especially harmful to children whose brains and bodies are still growing. How it all adds up: We at Horst and McCann, Inc. understand the need for our clients to control costs and maintain a budget while enjoying their shooting hobby. Few people have an abundance of expendable income. We welcome clients to bring their own ammunition. Remember, we happily accept ALL forms of jacketed ammunitions which complies with the requirement that the sides and base of all bullets are protected by a non-lead metal jacket. Please bring your own Total Metal Jacket, (TMJ), Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP), or Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) ammunition. Hand loaders will find an abundance of projectile choices available to them. .22 longrifle ammunition with a copper wash or copper coating is acceptable. Remember also that Horst and McCann, Inc. offers an excellent inventory of lead safe ammunition for purchase, and range time fee is always reduced when clients use Horst and McCann, Inc. supplied ammunition. Please do keep in mind that Full Metal Jacket, (FMJ) simply does not offer the protection that we must, and as a responsible, safety minded community demand in our shooting sport. Let's keep YOUR new range clean and safe, not only for you, but for the employees of the range, and any children or family members directly or indirectly affected by potential lead exposure. An astute associate recently observed that, just as we no longer use lead in our paint, or lead in our gasoline, we should not use exposed lead bullets in our shooting sport.
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