to gsus:
That won't work because PbCl2 is also just as insoluble in water, and both will precipitate equally, yielding no seperation. I am fully aware of the properties of lead azide, in fact that is the intermediate needing to be processed. PbN6 is nowhere near as dangerous as you make it to be. It is used as a military detonator for smaller explosives due to its strong insensitivity to drop-shock and moderate unlocalized heat. It takes a moderate shockwave from a primer, or intense heat from an ignitor wire to detonate PbN6. In my opinion, PbN6 is safer than NaN3, because of its insolubility, the risk of accidental HN3 release is minimized. HN3 is the real baddie to worry about.
Rest assured, I know what I am doing, and won't hurt myself.
Vitus: I hope you do recall correctly, because I searched for pure alcohol solubilities and both common and heavy metal chlorides and azides have equal insolubilities. Fucking annoying as hell. You say aqueous alcoholic precipitation works for certain on NaN3? I will try this then.
politoxocomania: AgN3 is insoluble as well. No seperation. I will try using acetonitrile if the alcohol does not work.
Thanks for your replies. They are much appreciated.