I will back what Keith says as we face similar restrictions here in the U.K. As to answer your question for black powder damascus barrels; the only alternative really is Bismuth. Steel, Tungsten and Hevi-shot are all too hard and would damage the barrel walls, also their inflexibility would also lead to very high pressure as the wad started to move the shot load. Tungsten Matrix may be an option and I know it is loaded here but only with the use of special fibre cup wads that fully protect the barrel from the shot. Tin is also a consideration for short range stuff but being much less dense than even steel it soon loses energy. I do use tin for certain applications because it is cheaper than the alternatives. Lagopus.....
