Are lead-free hunting rifle bullets as effective at killing wildlife as conventional lead bullets? A comparison based on wound size and morphology

► Wound diameters do not differ between lead-free and lead-based hunting rifle bullets. ► The size of the wound's maximum cross-sectional area does not depend on bullet material. ► Lead-free rifle bullets represent a suitable alternative to conventional bullets. ► The use of non lead bullets is appropriate to prevent lead deposit in the ecosystem.