Is this a bad time to get back into Fullbore Rifle Shooting?

CyclopsCork · 20-08-2021 8:37pm #1

Hello All,

I used to shoot Centrefire rifle 15 or more years ago, but gave it up due to work/family/time commitments. I mostly shoot clays now, but fancy a return to rifle shooting. I used to shoot a Sako 75 in 6.5x55 at MNSCI, and am thinking of getting back into it. My question is - with the looming lead-ban am I mad to consider investment in a rifle like a 6.5x55 or Creedmoor, as I might "run out of time" and find myself with a rifle that doesn't like the limited selection of all-copper monolithic bullets and factory loads. I always regret selling that rifle, and with Lapua Scenar ammunition it was a tack driver.

I would appreciate opinions.

Cheers,

CyclopsCork

Cass · 20-08-2021 8:59pm

I may be wrong, so someone correct me, but the lead ban (as bad as it is) is targeted at wetland and other such regions. IOW its not a complete ban on the use of lead only in certain areas. I'm sure that ranges, as they are covered by the EPA, are exempt from such limitations/restrictions.

GooseB · 20-08-2021 9:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117782841#Comment_117782841

The lead ban covers everywhere for civilian use except for indoor ranges. Wetlands has nothing to do with it any more and even if it did, almost the entire country can be considered a wetland. The only hope we have is that there is a proposed derogation that will enable the continued use of lead ammunition where control measures are put into place to prevent the lead entering the environment. For rifle ranges the proposal is to have at bare minimum, 90% lead recovery (via bullet traps or other means). This is only a proposal and a complete and total ban could still be put in place by the time the final thing is drafted and "voted" on (read rubber stamped).

"In simple terms, ECHA’s proposal is the following:

1. Lead sold and used in hunting, sports shooting and other outdoor shooting:

· ban on the sale and use of lead gunshot (with a five-year transition period). As current Olympic rules specify the use of lead ammunition for certain disciplines, ECHA also considered an optional derogation for use of lead gunshot for sports shooting only under strict conditions, i.e. when releases to the environment are minimised.

· ban on the use of lead in bullets and other projectiles (small calibre: five-year; large calibre: 18-month transition periods). Derogations for continued use if releases to the environment are minimised, i.e. when sports shooting ranges are equipped with bullet traps."

https://echa.europa.eu/-/towards-sustainable-outdoor-shooting-and-fishing-echa-proposes-restrictions-on-lead-use

Grizzly 45 · 21-08-2021 12:09pm

When iS a good time to do anything with shooting in Ireland?

Heck! Just get it, shoot it and see how things progress with the lead ban? It's being challenged by Firearms United in the European courts, and the way the EU is handling it so far,is they want it gone and quickly!!! So perhaps they have something to worry about? There must be others out there with the same rifle,that are shooting lead free ammo on the interweb that can advise on what ammo can be used? 😃 Life is too short anymore to be thinking "what if?"

GooseB · 21-08-2021 12:27pm

" Life is too short anymore to be thinking "what if?" "

I recently got a .22 target rifle on that premise. If they're going to ban lead and destroy shooting then I may as well try it now before it's too late. Still hoping it won't come to that however. It's a "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" situation.

Cass · 21-08-2021 11:02pm

As the lads above said at this point is more a case of enjoy it while you can rather than sit back wondering if you should, and loose out on it regardless.

With the advancements in bullet design and newer technoologies I'd be surprised if a "work around" is not forthcoing, sooner rather than later.

CyclopsCork · 22-08-2021 11:31am

Thanks to all for your comments. You are so right - you only live once. I hadn't thought of it that way.

The pigeon man · 22-08-2021 6:44pm

The lead bans may happen. In life if we put off things because of uncertainties in the future we'd never do anything.

Just get a popular calibre and the ammo manufacturers will be working hard to produce suitable non lead ammunition.

Enjoy the sport while we have it and may it continue long into the future.

hiddenmongoose · 23-08-2021 4:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117784444#Comment_117784444

Any more insight or info on this Grizzly?

Grizzly 45 · 23-08-2021 7:37pm

The FUN challenge?

Nothing much more than what I've posted or that's been reported in all4shooters.com over the last few months. The EU legal dept has been trying to get it dismissed on being a frivolous or non complying with protocol writ....but that's the last I've heard of it so far.

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Is this a bad time to get back into Fullbore Rifle Shooting?

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