Lead Ammunition Q&A

If you need your firearm proofed for high performance steel, we offer this service.

£250 fee

It must be pointed out that the risk is with you, the customer.  If your gun is sent for proof and is deemed not possible to steel proof, the fee is still payable.

See our page on Gun Disposal if you have no further options for your gun. 

 

Please read this information on the ban from BASC:

On 3 March 2026 the Government announced plans to legislate to restrict lead ammunition following recommendations arising from the UK REACH process.

The new legislation will introduce a phased timetable for restrictions between 2028 and 2029. 

Read our answers below to frequently asked questions about the new regulations and what they mean for shotgun, rifle and airgun shooters.

General

When will the lead ban come into force?

Restrictions will be introduced in phases.

 Shotgun cartridges

  • The use and sale of lead shot for live quarry shooting will be banned from 1 April 2029.
  • The use and sale of lead shot for indoor and outdoor recreational target shooting will also be banned from 1 April 2029, with exemptions for elite athletes.

Rifle ammunition

  • The use and sale of lead bullets for live quarry shooting in calibres 6.17 millimetres and above will be banned from 1 April 2029.
  • Small calibre rifles below 6.17 millimetres are not affected by the restrictions.
  • The use of lead bullets for outdoor target shooting will be restricted from 1 April 2028, except at ranges that meet the required risk management measures.

Airguns

  • There are no restrictions on the sale or use of lead airgun pellets for either target shooting or live quarry shooting.

Is the whole of the UK affected?

The restrictions apply to England, Scotland and Wales.

Northern Ireland is not affected by these regulations.

Does this affect all types of shooting?

The regulations affect different types of shooting in different ways.

  • Shotgun live quarry shooting – the use and sale of lead shot will be banned from 1 April 2029.
  • Shotgun target shooting – the use and sale of lead shot for indoor and outdoor recreational target shooting will also be banned from 1 April 2029, with exemptions for elite athletes.
  • Rifle live quarry shooting – lead bullets will be banned from 1 April 2029 for calibres 6.17mm and above.
  • Rifle target shooting – restrictions apply from 1 April 2028 for outdoor ranges unless risk management measures are in place.
  • Airguns – not affected.