Traditionally, different pellet sizes in lead shot have been favoured for different types of shooting, such as:
Geese – BB/1/3
Grouse – 6/7
Rabbit – 5/6
Teal – 6/7
Pheasant – 5/6/7
Woodcock – 7
Pigeon – 6/7
Recent research, however, may result in recommended shot sizes changing, generally towards larger pellets than were used in the past. Furthermore, each non-lead type has different ballistic characteristics. This means that pellet sizes may need to change for these materials to achieve pattern density and striking energy levels sufficient to ensure consistently clean kills. In particular, where the material is less dense than lead, and so has less kinetic energy, it is necessary to use a larger size shot – for example, if steel then at least two sizes larger (i.e. for lead no.6 use steel no.4 or larger); if bismuth then at least one size larger (no.3 or larger in place of lead no.4).
While the traditional game load has long been 30g or 32g (11/16 oz and 11/8 oz) of no.6 shot nowadays game shooters are using more no.5 or larger shot.
In Bismuth increase the shot size by 1 from the traditional lead sizes quoted above.
BASC’s Shot Travel Database The information that we have is from a highly reputable institute (Cranfield University) and is regarded as the best available – but it is still estimated shot travel and to be used as a guide only for the distances shot may travel under the most important
Microchipping The BASC Gundog Program kindly sponsored by Skinner’s Microchipping is compulsory for all dogs over 8 weeks old* in the UK. Any owners whose dog is discovered not to be microchipped face criminal prosecution and a £500 fine. Before you get your dog microchipped it is beneficial to research
Chronic Wasting Disease Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as Cervid Wasting Disease, is a highly infectious, fatal disease which has devastated some populations of wild and farmed deer in North America. CWD has very recently been diagnosed in four separate cases in Scandinavia, in a wild reindeer and also
