I would never consider using steel BBs in a quality barrel. However lead BBs are still available from Gamo here in Spain both in .177 and .22 and I have been looking at these again since I am playing with a design for semi auto and full auto PCPs and BBs would be the easiest for a magazine feed to a semi or full auto action. Full auto seems to be legal here in Spain and an 18ft/lb full auto .22 would be an awesome back garden plinker.
Tony