Dead with Lead?

[RobertSubnet]

Greetings all:

Well I just returned from the local Sportsmans Warehouseafter stockingup on ML shotgun supplies. They had all the wads I needed, however they only had lead shot, no bismuth, steel, etc.

I am hoping to go rabbit hunting in a few weeks. What I am wondering is if I use the lead shot, will that be a problem? I intend to eat what I, hopefully, kill.

Obviously lead has been used for a long time. I am assuming that as long as the meat is thoroughly washed out it should be OK.

Right...?

[bronko22000]

I don't think you have to worry too much about lead. Young children - maybe. I've often missed finding pellets in my grouse or pheasants and bit down on them. It gets your attention. But at least the lead is soft, unlike steel or bismuth.

[wabi]

Sometimes I question the wisdom andadvice of health experts.
I grew up in a house painted with lead-based paint, bathed in & drank water that travelled through copper pipesjoined with lead/tin solder, and ate plenty of game killed with lead shot. My mother just passed away this summer in that same house at age 94 and I now live there at age 57 and am fairly healthy for my age.
I remember when they legislated lead out of paint. Children in the city were suffering from lead caused defects and diseasesat a high rate. What they don't tell you is that oddly that same rate of defects and diseases continued after they removed lead from paint! I'm not saying lead is safe to consume, but it was auto emissions, not paint that was causing the problem.
A little common-sense will avoid most problems. Wash your hands after handling lead. Pick the lead pellets out of the game when you clean it (If you miss one and bite down on it when eating don't panic. Just don't eat it - spit it out.).
Just my opinion, but so far in life lead has has no obvious badeffects on me.

[cayugad]

I shoot lead shot all the time to take fowl and small game and eat what I shoot most the time (the pine squirrels I do not eat). I pick the lead shot out and take my chances with what I don't see. So far I am still kicking. The worst is like mentioned, biting down on a small piece of shot.

I can remember when we were kids we'd cast lead sinkers for river fishing, and most of the time they were crimped on with our teeth, or held in our mouths while we monkeyed around. I am not advocating the chewing of lead or exposure to it. But I cast all the time, and all I do is make sure to wash my hands afterward, and breath lots of fresh air. Same with shooting in the range.. wash my hands good after handling lead projectiles.

[RobertSubnet]

Gentlemen:

As always your wisdom is much appreciated. Thanks!

~Robert