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Which companies manufacture a solid copper hollow point? I would like to use solid copper ammo in my carry weapon and spare mag to minimize exposure to lead. I'm sure its not much of a concern, but I feel better about not having all of my clothing in potential contact with lead.

Corbon DPX

It is expensive, though.

http://www.dakotaammo.net/products/corbon/dpx.htm

THE ENGINEER wrote:Which companies manufacture a solid copper hollow point? I would like to use solid copper ammo in my carry weapon and spare mag to minimize exposure to lead. I'm sure its not much of a concern, but I feel better about not having all of my clothing in potential contact with lead.

and how much lead exposure do you think you'll encounter?

I'm just curious.

Your fears are unfounded. I have reloaded about a kzillion lead bullets(that's a big number in east texas language) and my blood test earlier this year gave a below normal reading for lead. If I don't get lead increases from handling exposed lead then I don't believe you will have an increase caused by carrying copper jacketed lead bullets in a magazine.

Nah guys, it's the modern day Lone Ranger...Remember, he was such a good guy that he only used silver bullets so as not to cause lead poisoning . Silver is a little too expensive to use for bullets these days and while not cheap, copper is still cheaper than silver.

Most lead exposure among gun people is caused by breathing lead vapor and fumes from primers on badly ventilated indoor ranges.

Lead vapor is created when the flame of the main charge contacts the rear surface of the bullet.

Some jacketed bullets are made with copper jacket material covering this rear surface, thus minimizing lead exposure.

I was kinda thinking about all the old(er) fishermen that I have been around for years that never use plyers (other than their teeth) to put split shot on their line. None of them has ever been warned about lead levels in blood tests that I know of, but most of them only go to the doctor if something bleeds too much or breaks

You guys are probably right. I just feel better about it since I carry everyday and my dogs are always jumping on my clothes, or my wife is sitting up against me.

I wouldn't worry about touching lead. I had that concern a while back when I was melting lead with a blow torch for a pinewood derby car and a drop slattered on my skin. I was pretty worried about the lead exposure through the burn, since the skin is your protection. Fortunately, my buddy is a doctor and said not to worry about it. He said the bigger danger is breathing the fumes from it, and made it sound that trans-dermal poisoning is very unlikely and would take quite a bit of exposure.

With all of that said, I just read a good review on an all-copper bullet from Magtech....had great penetration and expansion. Don't know what the price is, but with the way people steal copper wiring from construction sites these days, you never know.

If I can find the article again, I will post a follow up with details.

For some reason I have an illogical fear of lead too. Well maybe not so much a fear but after going to the range I might get back and start smoking a cigerrete and start freaking out b/c I didn't wash my hands first. And yes I do realize the immense irony in this

Me, I'm only worried about acute lead poisoning, not chronic poisoning from handling solid lead...

Fortunately, the symptoms of lead toxicity are easy to recognize as they begin and can be treated. Until you have them, you're probably fine.

About 16 years ago when a teenager I came across about 4 oz of mercury. I swear I played with it for 300 hours before someone told me how bad it is for you. I fully expect to go insane in my 50's.

atxgun wrote:For some reason I have an illogical fear of lead too. Well maybe not so much a fear but after going to the range I might get back and start smoking a cigerrete and start freaking out b/c I didn't wash my hands first. And yes I do realize the immense irony in this

Funny, I also smoke and worry about the same thing.

My blood test showed a lead count of 23 in February, which is elevated but not dangerous. It's the SHOOTING that starts the contamination, not the handling of ammo.

From what I've found out after my elevated count, here are a few tips to reduce your exposure.

1) If you shoot at an indoor range, make sure they have good ventilation that meets code.
2) Do not EAT or drink while shooting and when you're done shooting, cleaning guns or handling soft lead bullets or spent primers, WASH YOUR HANDS WITH WARM SOAP AND WATER.

Spent primers and dirty fired cases are the #1 source of lead absorbtion for shooting enthusiasts.