GG, when Browning says "no steel" in certain guns, they're not talking about reloads. They're talking factory. Note that they don't say "don't use the following lead factory loads". And also note that they don't say "Don't shoot steel in any of our Japanese-made guns." Their warning is very SPECIFIC.
Here's some advice for you: If you want support from knowledgeable shotgunners for your group's suggestion that a total lead ban in the uplands should be explored, then . . . GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER before you finalize your proposal. When manufacturers like Browning and Parker Repro say "Do not shoot steel!" in guns made into the 70's and 80's, then don't say something like "Steel is safe in all modern shotguns"--that is, unless you think you know more than the manufacturers do! There are a lot of guys out there shooting Superposeds, A-5's, Double Autos etc, handed down to them by a father or grandfather, and they're not going to appreciate you tossing them and their guns on the rubbish heap with inaccurate information. But hey, you're not alone. The wizards on the Nontox Advisory Committee in Minnesota made exactly the same, wrongheaded statement in their paper. Expect people like me to oppose such nonsense--IN PRINT--until you guys are honest about the negatives of going all nontox, as well as the "advantages".
'Thank You' for putting it so bluntly, Larry...it needed done. All that any of us here in Montana are asking for is 'irrefutable' proof of any "study" sanctioned by Ben Deeble (aka Grouse Guy, i.e.BSUBA)IF this must happen. Chances of getting that seem markedly slim judging from the falsehoods and inaccuracies found within GG's resolution which has now opened a Pandora's box for traditional gunners in Montana. Quite a legacy for him, no matter which way it goes. GG was politely, if pointedly, asked some questions by several posters as to these inaccuracies, and we were told we could go "stew in our own spleen juices" because he was done with all of us on the board. Now he's back??!!
To the readers here, if you've not followed the previous thread of a few days ago entitled 'Lead Phase-out Proposed for Montana Uplands', I'd encourage you to do so as it is a real eye-opener as to how nefarious things can get when coming from an individual supposedly having NO agenda and just undertaking this action as "fundamentally an effort to immunize upland hunters against attacks by anti-hunting groups." I would have said coming from a 'group', but one of BSUBA's voting board members informs me that the first he heard of any formal action was in BSUBA's Summer newsletter, just like the rank-and-file did....and that he got to read the resolution for the first time right here on this very bbs. I WAS a BSUBA member up until this was dropped on us a couple of weeks ago, and a good many of us are upset that it was so internalized that the rank-and-file were clueless for some three months until recently published. I want to say right here that this is not a vendetta, nor have I anything personal against 'Grouse Guy', as I've known him to be a very personable and hard-working fellow over the years we've been acquainted. He truly believes in what he is doing, but I can't help but feel that there were a number of better ways to go about this than what was served up.
Robert Harris
Conner, MT
