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To the best of my knowledge SGA only sells plated .22 LR for use in their range. I make a point of taking plated ones to shoot there, even though the plating is so thin it doesn't really matter that it is there. I don't know if they make a big deal about plated .22s or not, but I try to err on the side of caution, particularly since most of my guns run well with the Federal bulk pack that is plated anyway.

From my POV, the most impressive was a range that was attempting proper maintenance, but was unaware that green powder was being forced into the concrete slab expansion joints every time they cleaned. Eventually a spark set it off, and there was enough energy in the powder to actually dislodge the concrete floor sections. After they rebuilt, they were sure to seal the concrete joints

I'm glad they learned from the experience. Its been said that Experience is a tough teacher -- she gives the test first. She certainly paid a visit to the range owners in this case.

The fire that I heard about was at the range I shot at with my daughter the other day -- Spring Guns and Ammo. Apparently, some intellectually challenged person came in and discharged some incendiary rounds, which led to the fire. There is now a BIG sign on the door about armor piercing and incendiary rounds.

You are most likely correct that it is simply a rule of practicality. I have to approach it from that angle, because to me it seems like more of a feel-good measure than anything else. FWIW, I enjoy well-maintained indoor ranges, despite this seemingly universal rule.

Agreed that lead dust at the line is much more problematic than down range a bit. This is why it doesn't make much sense to ban hollow points with fully jacketed/plated bases while allowing FMJ with exposed lead at the base. Which do you think is more likely to create lead in the air?

Indoor ranges typically take the stance of allowing only fully jacketed or plated bullets -- ostensibly on the basis of cutting down airborne lead. The funny thing is, many "full metal jacket" bullets have exposed lead at the base, and it stands to reason that the hot combustion gasses will more easily create airborne lead than will any exposed lead in the barrel or on the nose of the bullet. When the bullet splashes at the backstop, some airborne lead will occur anyway.