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.
Follow up of shot deer With a well-placed shot most deer will be killed quickly and retrieving the dead deer will not be an issue. However, occasionally things do go wrong and it is critical that the stalker knows how to follow-up a wounded deer correctly such that it can
Poaching and Rural Crime Gamekeepers and the shooting community are often those most affected by, or witness to, poaching and rural crime. We are the eyes and ears of the countryside and often suffer the consequences of rural crime. Poaching can lead to a number of animal welfare issues. For
Head Measuring Getting a head start Although British deer stalkers have little time for trophy hunting, it is a valuable management tool to record particularly good heads and BASC will be offering a head measuring service to members at some game fairs. Here Dominic Griffith explains how it’s done: A head
