
Rifles, Calibres and Land: Advice for Firearms Enquiry Officers
A broad overview of advice and guidance related to key terminology and designed to assist police firearms enquiry officers
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Apply for funding for your project or make a donation today
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
Traditionally, different pellet sizes in lead shot have been favoured for different types of shooting, such as:
BB/1/3
6/7
5/6
6/7
Recent research, however, may result in recommended shot sizes changing, generally towards larger pellets than were used in the past.
Each non-lead type has different ballistic characteristics, which 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 is used then at least two sizes larger (i.e. for lead no.6 use steel no.4 or larger); if bismuth is used 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 Steel
In Bismuth increase the shot size by one from the traditional lead sizes quoted above.
Remember – a heavy load does not necessarily increase the effective range of a shotgun.
A broad overview of advice and guidance related to key terminology and designed to assist police firearms enquiry officers
A gun’s proof mark provide the correct information to allow you to choose a cartridge that can be used safely in your particular gun.
Explaining the legalities of carrying a knife for use in the field, including explanation of the law around lock-knives.