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.
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
Quarry Identification Guide The pocket quarry identification guide is currently under review, please check back. Identifying your quarry is only one aspect of good shooting practice. There are many contributory factors, and understanding and applying them in the shooting field is very important, for several reasons.They will increase your success
Tail Docking The BASC Gundog Program kindly sponsored by Skinner’s Overview The docking of dog’s tails is a practice which has been carried out for centuries in order to avoid tail damage, for hygiene and other reasons. Prophylactic docking: is the removal of the tails from litters of puppies of less
