Knowing which cartridge is ‘The Perfect Choice’ for you, depends on a number of factors

If you are new to shooting and are overwhelmed by selecting a cartridge for the type of sport you will be doing, you’ll be pleased to know you are far from alone. There are so many variables to consider that will influence your choice, from gun configuration, quarry species/targets to rules and regulations, and then there’s performance, personal preference and price, too. 

In an attempt to help you pick the Perfect Choice for you, Eley Hawk have drawn upon their almost 200-year history of leading cartridge manufacture to compile this simple guide to making a failsafe and informed cartridge choice.

First and foremost, it is paramount you select the correct gauge/calibre/bore of cartridge for the gun you have – i.e. 12, 20, 28 and so on. Likewise, the case length should never exceed that of your chambers (ask advice from a reputable gunsmith if you are unsure). Putting an incorrect calibre of cartridge in your gun could be devastating, and different calibres of ammunition should be kept separate at all times.  

Loads and shot size is the next element to consider. These are written on the box or label such as 28gram 5 shot, or 21g No. 7.5. The gram refers to the payload or weight of shot – lead, steel or otherwise – included in the cartridge, and the ‘5’ or ‘7.5’ in these instances, is the size of the pellet. For game and clays, a cartridge can range from as little as 12.5 grams of shot in small calibre cartridges to 38 grams+ for heavy loads, with shot size ranging from 9 to 3 shot; 9 being the smallest, 3 the largest. 

As a general rule of thumb, you will be looking at 21, 24 and 28 gram loads of 9–7 shot for clays, and 28–36grams of 7–3 shot for game. For smaller birds like partridge or waders, 7-5 shot is ample, with 5-3 shot better suited for larger birds like pheasants and grouse. The bigger the load, the more striking energy – however, you must find the right balance, to which the following table should help. 

Wads are next to consider from plastic, fibre or Pro Eco Wad (or alternative biodegradable option). A wad will ultimately depend on your scenario, as when shooting game we have made a commitment to only providing environmentally friendly wads in either our water-soluble Pro Eco or fibre, to look after the environment. Clay loads come in either fibre or plastic, with some choosing the latter for competitions. 

As a final note, cartridges are often an overlooked detail when it comes to shooting well and, indeed, improving your performance and enjoyment. Premium cartridges offer consistency and reliability in spades, allowing you to focus more on your technique in the knowledge that the shot is going exactly where the barrels are pointing.  

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