[Jeff Higgins]

We have a few counties that prohibit the use of "lead" ammunition in indoor ranges. Their excuse is "lead poisoning". The reality is the fact that their councils are rabidly anti-gun and understand nothing about the hazards associated with indoor ranges regarding lead poisoning.

The fact of the matter is that it is the primer, not the bullet, that contributes to lead poisoning through airborne particulates. Lead styphanate is the "active ingredient" in modern primers, replacing the even worse (for other reasons) fulminate of mercury that preceded it.

The industry has responded with modern primers that are free of both toxins, but the word has not gotten out. We can now purchase ammunition (unfortunately, not yet component primers) that are primed with entirely lead and mercury free, "indoor safe" priming compounds. If indoor ranges would simply require the use of this ammunition (and sell it), the problem would disappear.

Unfortunately, politicians would rather ban an entire class of ammunition. Doing so better fits their agenda. And, well, profit driven indoor ranges will, unfortunately, strive to meet only those regulations required to keep them in business. It's not a great situation. "The truth is out there."