From: fist@iscp.Bellcore.COM (Richard Pierson)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Non-lead bullets, some ponderings...
Date: 25 Aug 92 21:19:52 GMT
Organization: Bell Communications Research (Bellcore)

While taking the "US Army Small Arms Instructor course" last
year we were exposed to the new plastic training ammo for the
M-16 and M-2 [.50 Cal]HMG. These rounds also use lead free
primers. The 5.56 round will not chamber using a standard
bolt, it comes as a system and does require double hearing
protection. The bolt has a smaller diameter face so if you
try using the stock bolt you'll be rodding the fired brass
out every time as the stock ejector wont grab the base.
With the increased interest.concern with lead contamination
I can't help but think of our local state ANG/AR training
facility here in NJ, Ft Dix, The last Active duty boot 
camp batallion just graduated on 21 Aug 92, the camp 
originally opened in 1913 and I wonder how many KTONS of
fired bullets, both small arms, tank rounds, unexploded
arty rounds are down in that area. I have a 75mm tank round
that my dad gave me after digging it out of a berm where they
used to shoot in Livingston NJ in back of the armoury in the
50's, weighs about 12 lbs and is solid lead with a brass
sheath [non expolding training round, been a good door stop
for 40 years and a toe buster a couple of times in the dark]
 Many of the ranges at Ft Dix, both pop up's and lanes were
rebuilt over the last 4 years and many improvements were made
to the shooting facilities including the public ranges both
shot and bullet. I also have to wonder how much longer before
private shooting ranges are going to be controlled by such
forward looking organizations as the EPA on the federal level
and state EPA's. One of the local gun clubs I have been looking
at prior to joining is in the process of installing a covered
pistol range, this club borders on a wetlands and due to the
age of the club [started in the 1800's] cannot be touched or 
hindered by the town as it existed prior [which pisses the
neighbors off no end-teach em to by property sight unseen].
I cant help but wonder what the clean up costs would be if
the EPA came down on them as it would have to be shared by
the members.
Having just rejoined the NRA I wonder if there is a method
of building a back stop that will not contaminate through
runoff in the case of an outdoor range and even allow
recovery of fired rounds. I know that the NRA back in the
70's had a guide for range construction, does that service 
still exist.
One thing to consider for left hand shooters on the black
guns is that the gas venting is about 2 inches from your nose
[those are those holes in the side of the bolt] and I 
dont think the deflector is that effective in the case of
gas. This is also true for those right hand shooters with
a domanant left eye who refuse to shoot lefty. [I have seen
some strange shooting styles but WTH as long as they qualify.]
Just some tuesday morning mutterings while still recovering
from the warfighter exercise I just spent 14 days at.

Ever seen kansas city nite life..No...just close your eyes in
a dark room.
-- 
##########################################################
There are only two types of ships in the NAVY; SUBMARINES 
                 and TARGETS !!!
#1/XS1100LH	#2/10/10/92
Richard Pierson E06584 vnet: [908] 699-6063
Internet: fist@iscp.belcore.com,|| UUNET:uunet!bcr!fist  
#include <std.disclaimer> My opinions are my own!!!
I DONT CARE IF I SOUND CONFUSED, I KNOW WHAT I MEAN !!!