A lot has been said about ammunition requirements at The Range at Lake Norman. Some have expressed concerned over our policy of providing a low lead environment, so we would like to “clear the air”!
At the Range at Lake Norman, we take every aspect of safety seriously. One of the biggest and least talked about issues for regular shooters is exposure to lead. All indoor shooting ranges should take lead exposure seriously for the safety of their employees and customers.
Lead can enter the body in two ways; through inhalation and through ingestion. Ingestion of lead in a gun range is less common, but possible. At the Range at Lake Norman, we provide d-lead soap at our viewing station sink to remove lead from your hands after firing or handling ammunition. Regardless of the type of ammunition being used, lead is present. Primers are lead and mercury based. So, regardless of where you shoot or what you shoot, when you are done, grab a d-lead wipe or d-lead soap and clean your hands. This will alleviate the possibility of ingesting lead.
Inhalation is a different issue. You have to breathe! Our employees working in the range also have to breathe. This is why we have made a corporate decision to require, whenever possible, the use of Total Metal Jacket ammunition (TMJ) in lieu of Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). FMJ ammo has exposed lead at the base and leaves a lead vapor trail. TMJ is fully encapsulated, eliminating the lead vapor trail. TMJ ammunition encapsulates the entire slug in a metal jacket. FMJ ammunition encapsulates the surfaces that are exposed prior to being fired in metal. The FMJ round, as it leaves the firearm, leaves a lead vapor trail, and leaves lead on your hands in larger quantities than a TMJ round. While the cost of TMJ may be slightly more than the cost of FMJ, the reduction in exposure to lead is worth the price, especially if you are an avid shooter. Lead exposure can lead to serious health risks. Below is a picture of two TMJ bullets on the left and two FMJ on the right, note the exposed lead on the bottom of the FMJ.
We have worked with our suppliers to ensure we can provide TMJ at the best prices possible to our customers. We have price shopped the area and our ammo prices for TMJ are lower than any area retailer, and in many cases lower that FMJ ammo at those retailers. If you are an annual or lifetime member you will receive an additional discount on ammo purchases at The Range. In addition, if you are used to buying in bulk, we can offer special discounts on large quantity purchases. Some comparisons based on local shopping are below (prices are subject to change):
40 caliber cost comparison
Cabela’s outdoor – .40 cal Winchester 50 rounds FMJ – $19.99
Gander Mountain -.40 cal Winchester 50 rounds FMJ – $29.99
The Range at Lake Norman – .40 cal 50 rounds TMJ – $19.95 (with member discount – 5% – $18.95)
9 mm cost comparison
Cabela’s outdoor – 9mm Winchester 50 rounds FMJ – $14.99
Gander Mountain – 9mm Winchester 50 rounds FMJ – $17.99
The Range at Lake Norman – 9mm 50 rounds TMJ – $16.95 (with member discount – 5% – $16.10)
45ACP cost comparison
Cabela’s outdoor – 45 ACP Winchester 50 rounds FMJ – $24.99
Gander Mountain – 45 ACP Winchester 50 rounds FMJ – $34.99
The Range at Lake Norman – 45 ACP 50 rounds TMJ – $27.83 (with member discount – 5% – $26.44)
price comparison on 10/31/11
