Shooting in back yard - accumulation of lead?

[MMH]

I shoot occasionally in my back yard but limit how much I do because I don't want all that lead in the soil. Is this really a valid concern? The back yard goes up hill eventually to a BIG STEEP hill (40% grade 200 yards long). As such I get a lot of water running down the my yard, around the house and eventually to a creek.

I am thinking about building a bullet trap to catch most of the lead. Obviously this will help reduce what gets put in the soil but is this really necessary?

[markshere2]

I shoot occasionally in my back yard but limit how much I do because I don't want all that lead in the soil. Is this really a valid concern? The back yard goes up hill eventually to a BIG STEEP hill (40% grade 200 yards long). As such I get a lot of water running down the my yard, around the house and eventually to a creek.

I am thinking about building a bullet trap to catch most of the lead. Obviously this will help reduce what gets put in the soil but is this really necessary?

No, not necessary, but a good idea. lead is getting spendy and boolits for reloading can be cast rather easily.

[DukeConnor]

Lead comes from the ground so you're just sending it home.

[bigandy1966]

Build a bullet trap but it's just for safety.

[bogey1]

Lead comes from the ground so you're just sending it home.

True, but its not free lead ( I think thats what the term is) Bullet lead is different than the lead in the ground
that occurs naturally.

[Brick]

Build a bullet trap but it's just for safety.

This is a good idea especially if you use sand in the base or a sand berm to catch the bullets so you can recover them and recast them if you choose. Or just sell them to a scrap dealer.

[DucatiRon]

No lead is not a worry. Lead needs air (oxygen) to break down and or oxidize. The oxidation is what can leach into the ground water.

Once the lead is firmly in the dirt the lack of oxygen it will not let it oxidize or it does but at a rate so slow it will have a minimal effect.

This is the reason we can still find musket balls left over from the Civil War. Also why boats under water can still be found from ancient times.

So the amount you as a single person, not a active gun range with hundreds of members is completely worry free.

[DukeConnor]

True, but its not free lead ( I think thats what the term is) Bullet lead is different than the lead in the ground
that occurs naturally.

If you got any free lead send it my way