AFTE Store - Identification of Lead Free Metal in .177 Caliber Airgun Pellets

Crimes are committed and injuries are sustained with the use of airguns annually. Consequently, identification of lead free pellet metal or alloy can aid investigators in cases involving airguns. The purpose of this study was to identify the metal or alloy in eight lead free airgun pellets marketed in the United States. An Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (ESEM/EDS) was used to analyze the lead free pellets selected for this study. The product information provided on the labels for these pellets did not identify the metal or alloy used in the manufacture of these pellets. Six of the pellets analyzed were manufactured with tin. One was made with nickel containing traces of gold and one was made with zinc and aluminum. In addition to spectroscopic analysis for confirming the identification of lead free pellet metals, a weight difference was observed between the lead and lead free pellets. Thus, the weight difference can also be used as a presumptive identification for diabolo styled lead free pellets.