Shooting and Lead in the Air

The primer chemicals are not alone in toxic compound deposition however. Microscopic lead and copper particles are also scraped off the bullet as it races through the gun barrel, and are propelled out the muzzle by the force of the burning powder. RSI (Recreational Software, Inc.) notes all barrels and all ammos foul and that copper residue especially, from copper jacketed rounds, is cumulative. Fouling accumulates and tears at the base of a bullet jacket, scarring it as it rushes down the barrel, and the more you shoot, the more dust and fouling is left inside the gun and blown into the air. 

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