Free UK Cartridge Guide: Shot Size and Load for Clay, Game and Vermin

Not sure which cartridge to put in the gun? Choose 12 or 20 bore, lead or non-lead, and the clay discipline or quarry you are shooting. This free guide shows a typical shot size and load weight, plus the UK lead shot rules and steel shot cautions that matter.

Lead shot is being phased out

The UK government has confirmed that lead shot will be banned for live quarry and clay shooting across England, Scotland and Wales from 1 April 2029. Lead is already banned for ducks, geese, coot and moorhen in England and Wales. If you shoot any non-lead, check that your gun is proofed for steel and that your choke is no tighter than modified, and ask a gunsmith if you are unsure.

Track your shooting

Clay Buster, Run & Gun and Set & Shot from RP Digital Studio Ltd work offline with no phone signal needed. They are one-off purchases with lifetime updates and track none of your data. This guide is general advice only, so always check the cartridge box, your gun's proof marks and the shoot's rules.