belly-deep
Active member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2009
- Messages
- 3,459
I don't think it needs to go to recreational shooters, even in CA they haven't attempted that (yet). I would seem as it is those that are killing critters one way or another with lead that are causing the continued lead poisoning to condors. CA DFW has noted very high compliance rates among hunters, though I suspect that is pretty much limited to big game.
The shooting community has shown in the last 6 years a vast majority of them are willing exorbitant amounts of money for ammunition. We have no idea what the market response will be to a significant shift in demand due to regulation. I'll be good money though that with a policy shift driving an increase in demand Nosler, Hornady, Freedom Group, ATK or all of the above will step up and expand capacity.
There aren't many industries where prices increase with expanded manufacturing capacity...the learning curve/experience curve analysis has been proven true since first developed aeronautics industry in the 30's.
Maybe CA hasn't done it yet, but it is the logical end. If raptors are eating the gophers and prairie dogs, they're going to pick up rec shooters' lead.
And sure, the shooting community has shown they are willing to pay $$$ for ammo, but that doesn't mean a whole lot. Everyone I know has become pretty stingy with their 22LR. Kids can't go out and burn through a brick of it in a day anymore. You can't tell me that is helping them get out of the house and off the internet.
Frankly, I'm not worried about hunters. I hunt with Barnes and Nosler copper bullets. No big deal. But I NEED lead for my 22LR.