We have seen non-lead ammunition work in a range of fullbore rifles, but does it work in rimfires? Tim Pilbeam tries out lead-free bullets in his Ruger rifle .22 and .17HMR - and the results for the .22 are disastrous.

Unless the ammunition industry can produce workable non-toxic bullets for rimfires, and if the creeping lead ban finds its way to small-calibre rifles, this could be the end of probably the world's most popular rifle calibre.

Tim tries out the following rounds:

• Non-toxic Winchester 15.5gr,
• Hornady 17gr V-MAX 17HMR lead-free
• CCI 17gr CCI
• 26-grain Winchester Varmint LF in .22
• 24-grain RWS High Velocity Green in .22

Why do I need to give up lead and plastic?

On Monday 24th February 2020, major UK shooting organisations announced they want an end to the use of lead and single-use plastics in shotgun ammunition for live quarry shooting by 2025. The Times newspaper reports the story, alongside an opinion piece by BASC chairman Eoghan Cameron.

The problem is that lead is bad for humans and for the environment. “We know that lead is toxic,” says Jen Brewin of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust. “It’s toxic to humans and to wildlife. We know that wild birds suffer from lead poisoning. They may use it as grit in their gizzard or they may mistake it for food, depending on the species.”

How bad is it for humans? “At higher doses, it can cause extreme damage and even death. At lower doses, long sustained exposure to lead could result in higher blood pressure, and in children there is definitely evidence that it affects their neurological development and behavioural issues, including decreases in IQ,” says toxicologist Michael Quint of EH sciences.

Check out our range of non-lead ammunition: