What Is Non-Lead Ammunition
Non-lead bullet in ballistic jelly
Non-lead ammunition refers to ammunition in which bullets or shot contain metals other than lead like solid copper, bismuth, tin or other combinations of metals in the manufacturing process. Shooting animals with non-lead ammunition eliminates the potential for lead poisoning in scavenging wildlife.
Availability
Non-lead ammo alternatives are in production from all major manufacturers for big game, varmint and small game hunting. However, like all ammunition, it is sometimes hard to find in a short timely manner, so plan ahead and order from online vendors too.
Solid copper or copper alloy bullets are now loaded in most common hunting calibers. Highly frangible non-lead varmint bullets (comprised of copper or tin powder) are available in both centerfire and rimfire cartridges. Non-lead shot (steel, tungsten and bismuth) is also available.
Current Data
93% of Kaibab deer hunters say that non-lead bullets perform as well as or better than lead bullets on game.
Since 2008, overall 88% of Arizona’s hunters hunting where condors live have either shot non-lead ammunition or packed out their entire gut pile from the field. This amounts to around 125 tons of clean food provided to scavengers by the use of non-lead bullets, and an additional 32 tons of lead contaminated gut piles removed out of the food chain.
AZGFD - California Condor Recovery
For more information on condors, lead and a list of available non-lead ammunition visit the Department's website.
The Peregrine Fund
Conserving birds of prey worldwide.
North American Non-Lead Partnership
Formed by the Oregon Zoo, The Peregrine Fund and the Institute for Wildlife Studies, the North American Non-Lead Partnership seeks to expand the coalition of hunters, anglers and other conservationists dedicated to improving ecosystem and wildlife health by choosing non-lead options.