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Shotgun Cartridge Selection for UK Clay Shooters: Loads, Chokes, and Disciplines

Shotgun Shooting 22 March 2026 11 min read By Ashley Marshall

How to choose the right shotgun cartridges for UK clay shooting disciplines including Sporting, Skeet, DTL, and Trap. Shot sizes, load weights, and choke pairings explained.

Shotgun Cartridge Selection for UK Clay Shooters: Loads, Chokes, and Disciplines

Quick Answer

For UK clay shooters, cartridge selection is dictated by the discipline and your shotgun's choke setup. Sporting typically favours 28g loads with #7.5 shot, while Trap often uses 28g or 32g loads with #7.5 or #8 shot and tighter chokes. Skeet shooters commonly opt for lighter 21g or 24g loads with #9 shot and open chokes.

# Shotgun Cartridge Selection for UK Clay Shooters: Loads, Chokes, and Disciplines ## Quick Answer The right cartridge for clay shooting depends on your discipline, the targets you're breaking, and your shotgun's choke setup. For most UK clay shooters, a **28g load with #7½ shot** is the go-to all-rounder for Sporting, while Trap shooters typically use **28g or 32g loads with #7½ or #8 shot** and tighter chokes. Skeet favours lighter **24g loads with #9 shot** and open chokes. Getting this combination right makes a genuine difference to your scores, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. ## Why Does Cartridge Selection Matter for Clay Shooting? It's tempting to grab whatever's cheapest at the gun shop and crack on, but cartridge choice directly affects your pattern density, effective range, and felt recoil. The wrong combination means you're either throwing too few pellets at the target (missing what you should break) or punishing your shoulder unnecessarily on a 100-bird day. The three variables you're balancing: - **Shot size** determines how many pellets are in each cartridge and how far they carry energy - **Load weight** (in grams) affects pattern density and recoil - **Choke** controls how tightly the pattern stays together at distance Get these three working together for your discipline, and you'll see cleaner breaks and better scores. Get them wrong, and you're fighting your equipment instead of reading the targets. ## What Shot Sizes Should You Use for Different Clay Disciplines? Shot size is measured by number: the higher the number, the smaller the pellet. Smaller pellets give you more pellets per cartridge (better pattern density), but they lose energy faster at distance. | Shot Size | Pellet Diameter | Approx. Count (28g load) | Best For | |---|---|---|---| | #9 | 2.0mm | ~480 | Skeet, close crossers | | #8 | 2.2mm | ~400 | Sporting (close-mid range) | | #7½ | 2.4mm | ~340 | Sporting, Trap, all-round | | #7 | 2.5mm | ~300 | Trap, longer Sporting targets | | #6 | 2.6mm | ~260 | Long-range Sporting (rare) | ### Sporting Clays Sporting is the most varied discipline. Targets appear at different angles, speeds, and distances, so many shooters carry two cartridge types: - **Close to mid-range targets (15-30 yards):** #7½ or #8 shot gives excellent pattern density - **Longer crossers and driven targets (30-45 yards):** #7½ holds its energy better Most Sporting shooters settle on **#7½ as their default** and only switch to #8 for the closest stands. Some top-level shooters use #7½ for everything and let their choke do the work. ### English Skeet (and FITASC Skeet) Skeet targets are close, fast, and predictable. You know exactly where they're going, so you need: - **#9 shot** for maximum pattern density at short range - **24g loads** are standard (and mandatory in many competitions) - Open chokes (Cylinder or Improved Cylinder) The idea is to throw a wide, dense cloud of small pellets. At Skeet distances (15-25 yards), #9 shot has more than enough energy to dust a clay. ### Down-the-Line (DTL) DTL targets rise from a single trap at varying angles, heading away from you. They start close but you're often breaking them at 30-40 yards. - **#7½ shot** is the standard choice - **28g loads** for most shooters; 32g if your gun handles it comfortably - Half and Three-Quarter choke for the tighter patterns you need at distance ### Olympic Trap and ABT These are faster, more challenging versions of Trap. Targets are quicker and the angles are wider. - **28g loads with #7½ shot** (ISSF rules limit load weight) - Tight chokes: Three-Quarter and Full - Premium cartridges with harder shot for denser patterns at 40+ yards ### FITASC Sporting FITASC presentations can be extreme. You'll face everything from close rabbits to high driven targets at the limit of your range. - **28g with #7½** covers most situations - Some shooters carry #8 for the closest targets - Choke choice matters more than cartridge choice here; adaptability is key ## How Does Load Weight Affect Your Shooting? UK competition rules and common sense both influence load weight. **24g:** Light, low recoil. Standard for Skeet. Some Sporting shooters use these for practice to reduce fatigue. Noticeably less dense patterns at longer range. **28g:** The sweet spot for most disciplines. Enough pellets for reliable breaks at 35-40 yards without excessive recoil. This is what 90% of UK clay shooters use day-to-day. **32g:** Heavier payload, denser patterns, more recoil. Used in some Trap disciplines and by Sporting shooters tackling extreme-range targets. Can cause fatigue over a long competition day. **Competition limits:** | Discipline | Maximum Load | |---|---| | English Sporting | 28g | | FITASC Sporting | 28g | | English Skeet | 24g | | DTL | 28g | | Olympic Trap | 24g | | ABT | 28g | Check the specific rules for your competition. Getting this wrong means disqualification, which is an expensive lesson. ## What Choke Should You Use With Each Cartridge? Choke and cartridge work together. A tight choke with small shot gives a dense, narrow pattern. An open choke with the same shot gives a wider spread. **Common choke designations:** | Choke | Constriction | Pattern % at 40 yards | Best For | |---|---|---|---| | Cylinder | None | ~40% | Skeet, close Sporting | | Improved Cylinder (¼) | 0.25mm | ~50% | Skeet, close-mid Sporting | | Half (½) | 0.50mm | ~60% | Sporting (versatile) | | Three-Quarter (¾) | 0.75mm | ~65% | Trap, long Sporting | | Full | 1.00mm | ~70% | Trap, extreme range | ### Recommended Combinations by Discipline **Sporting:** ¼ and ½ choke with 28g #7½. This gives you a forgiving pattern on close targets (through the first barrel) and enough density on longer birds (through the second). **Skeet:** Cylinder and Improved Cylinder with 24g #9. Wide patterns for fast, close targets. **DTL:** ½ and ¾ choke with 28g #7½. The first barrel catches the target early; the second gives you a tighter pattern if you need a second shot at greater distance. **Olympic Trap:** ¾ and Full with 28g #7½. Maximum pattern density at the longer ranges these fast targets reach before you pull the trigger. ## Does Cartridge Quality Really Matter? Yes, but perhaps not in the way you'd think. The difference between budget and premium cartridges comes down to three things: **Shot hardness.** Harder shot (antimony-alloyed lead) deforms less in the barrel, producing rounder pellets that fly straighter. This means more consistent patterns, especially at longer range. Budget cartridges often use softer lead, leading to more flyers (deformed pellets that stray from the pattern). **Consistency.** Premium brands have tighter quality control. Every cartridge in the box performs similarly, giving you predictable patterns. With budget ammunition, you might get noticeable variation between shots. **Wad design.** The plastic cup that holds the shot column affects how cleanly the pellets separate after leaving the barrel. Better wads produce more even patterns. **Popular UK brands and their reputations:** - **Gamebore** - widely regarded as excellent quality. Their Black Gold and White Gold lines are used by top competition shooters. - **Hull** - long-established British manufacturer. Sovereign and Pro-One are solid all-rounders. - **Eley** - another British brand with a strong reputation. Their VIP Sporting range is popular. - **Fiocchi** - Italian made, good value for money. The White Rino is a popular budget-to-mid option. - **RC** - Italian brand, increasingly popular in the UK. Good performance at competitive prices. For practice, a mid-range cartridge like Gamebore Competition or Hull Sovereign is perfectly adequate. Save the premium stuff for competition days where every break counts. ## How Much Should You Spend on Cartridges? Cartridge prices in the UK typically fall into three bands: | Category | Price per 25 | Price per 1,000 | Examples | |---|---|---|---| | Budget | £5-7 | £200-280 | Own-brand, basic loads | | Mid-range | £7-9 | £280-360 | Gamebore Competition, Hull Sovereign | | Premium | £9-14 | £360-560 | Gamebore Black Gold, Eley VIP | Most club shooters firing 2,000-5,000 cartridges per year find mid-range offerings the best balance of performance and cost. Buying in bulk (cases of 250 or 1,000) usually saves 10-15% over buying boxes of 25. **A practical approach:** use mid-range for practice and competition, and save premium cartridges for major events or when you're shooting at a ground with particularly challenging targets. ## What About Steel Shot and Non-Lead Alternatives? The UK shooting community is increasingly moving toward non-lead alternatives, driven by environmental concerns and potential future legislation. **Current rules (as of March 2026):** - Lead shot is still legal for clay shooting in the UK - Some shooting grounds now encourage or require steel/bismuth - FITASC has trialled steel-shot-only competitions - BASC and CPSA are actively consulting on future lead restrictions **What you need to know about steel:** - Steel is harder than lead, so it doesn't deform; patterns can be tighter - You may need to open your choke by one step (use ½ where you'd normally use ¾) - Check your gun is steel-shot proofed (look for the fleur-de-lis mark on the barrel flats) - Steel cartridges are generally comparable in price to lead - Performance at close-to-mid range is virtually identical; long-range performance differs Start trying steel now if you haven't already. Getting comfortable with it before any potential ban means you won't be scrambling to adjust your technique and choke selection overnight. ## Key Takeaways - **#7½ shot in 28g** is the most versatile combination for UK clay shooters - Match your shot size to the range: #9 for close Skeet, #7½ for Trap and mid-range Sporting - Choke and cartridge work together; don't choose one without considering the other - Mid-range cartridges offer the best value for regular shooters - Buy in bulk to save 10-15% - Start trying steel shot now to be ahead of any future lead restrictions ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best all-round cartridge for clay shooting in the UK? A 28g load with #7½ shot is the most versatile option for UK clay shooters. It provides good pattern density out to 40 yards and works well with the ¼ to ½ choke combinations most Sporting shooters use. Gamebore Competition and Hull Sovereign are popular choices in this category. ### Can I use the same cartridges for Sporting and Trap? You can, but you'll get better results by tailoring your choice. Sporting typically uses 28g #7½ with lighter chokes, while Trap benefits from the same load with tighter chokes (¾ or Full). The cartridge can be the same; it's the choke pairing that changes. ### How many cartridges should I buy at once to get the best price? Buying in cases of 250 or 1,000 typically saves 10-15% compared with buying boxes of 25. If you shoot regularly (weekly practice plus competitions), ordering 1,000 at a time from a dealer or online supplier is the most cost-effective approach. ### Is steel shot as good as lead for clay shooting? At close-to-mid range (up to 35 yards), steel performs very similarly to lead. Beyond that, steel pellets lose energy faster because they're less dense. For Skeet and most Sporting targets, you're unlikely to notice a difference. For Trap at 40+ yards, you may need to adjust your choke selection (open by one step). ### What choke should I use for Sporting Clays? Start with ¼ (Improved Cylinder) in the bottom barrel and ½ (Half) in the top. This gives you a forgiving spread on close targets and enough density for longer birds. Adjust based on the specific stand, but this combination covers 80% of Sporting presentations. ### Do I need different cartridges for over-and-under versus side-by-side? The cartridges are the same. What changes is choke selection and barrel dynamics. Over-and-unders with multichoke systems give you more flexibility. Side-by-sides with fixed chokes (typically Improved Cylinder and Half) work best with #7½ shot that complements those constriction levels. ### How should I store my shotgun cartridges at home? Store cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources. Your firearms cabinet or a separate locked ammunition storage box is ideal. UK law requires that ammunition is stored securely to prevent unauthorised access. Keep them in their original boxes to track batch numbers and expiry dates, and rotate stock so older cartridges are used first. ### What does 'fibre wad' versus 'plastic wad' mean for my shooting? Fibre wads are biodegradable and increasingly required at shooting grounds near waterways or environmentally sensitive areas. Plastic wads produce slightly more consistent patterns at range because the shot cup protects pellets better during barrel travel. For most clay shooting at typical distances, the difference in breakage rates is minimal. Check your ground's rules before attending. ### Are expensive cartridges worth it for club-level shooting? For regular practice at your local ground, mid-range cartridges (£7-9 per 25) offer excellent performance without the premium price. Save the expensive stuff for registered competitions or when shooting at grounds known for challenging, long-range targets. The biggest improvement in your scores will come from practice and technique, not from switching to a pricier cartridge. ### How do I know if my gun is proofed for steel shot? Check the barrel flats (visible when the gun is broken open) for proof marks. A fleur-de-lis symbol with "STEEL SHOT" or the CIP steel shot mark indicates your gun is proofed for standard steel loads. If in doubt, take your gun to a registered firearms dealer or contact the Birmingham or London Proof House for verification.

Related Knowledge Centre answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best all-round cartridge for clay shooting in the UK?

A 28g load with number 7.5 shot is the most versatile option for UK clay shooters. It provides good pattern density out to 40 yards and works well with quarter to half choke combinations most Sporting shooters use.

Can I use the same cartridges for Sporting and Trap?

You can, but you will get better results tailoring your choice. Sporting typically uses 28g number 7.5 with lighter chokes, while Trap benefits from the same load with tighter chokes. The cartridge can be the same; the choke pairing changes.

How many cartridges should I buy at once to get the best price?

Buying in cases of 250 or 1,000 typically saves 10 to 15 percent compared with buying boxes of 25. If you shoot regularly, ordering 1,000 at a time from a dealer or online supplier is the most cost-effective approach.

Is steel shot as good as lead for clay shooting?

At close-to-mid range up to 35 yards, steel performs very similarly to lead. Beyond that, steel pellets lose energy faster. For Skeet and most Sporting targets, you are unlikely to notice a difference.

What choke should I use for Sporting Clays?

Start with quarter choke in the bottom barrel and half choke in the top. This gives you a forgiving spread on close targets and enough density for longer birds. This combination covers 80 percent of Sporting presentations.

Do I need different cartridges for over-and-under versus side-by-side?

The cartridges are the same. What changes is choke selection and barrel dynamics. Over-and-unders with multichoke systems give you more flexibility than side-by-sides with fixed chokes.

How should I store my shotgun cartridges at home?

Store cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources. Your firearms cabinet or a separate locked ammunition storage box is ideal. UK law requires ammunition to be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access.

What does fibre wad versus plastic wad mean for my shooting?

Fibre wads are biodegradable and increasingly required at environmentally sensitive grounds. Plastic wads produce slightly more consistent patterns at range. For most clay shooting at typical distances, the difference is minimal.

Are expensive cartridges worth it for club-level shooting?

For regular practice, mid-range cartridges at seven to nine pounds per 25 offer excellent performance without the premium price. Save the expensive cartridges for registered competitions where every break counts.

How do I know if my shotgun is proofed for steel shot?

Check the barrel flats for proof marks. A fleur-de-lis symbol with STEEL SHOT or the CIP steel shot mark indicates your gun is proofed for standard steel loads. If in doubt, contact the Birmingham or London Proof House.

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