
Calibres, cartridges and quarry: advice for firearms enquiry officers
An overview of different calibres and ammunition commonly used in the UK, alongside a summary of their appropriateness for different quarry species.
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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.
An overview of different calibres and ammunition commonly used in the UK, alongside a summary of their appropriateness for different quarry species.
Firearm certificate conditions have proliferated over the years and have become a cause of friction between the police and certificate holders. Here you’ll find advice for licensing staff and certificate holders about the balanced application (if necessary) of additional firearm certificate conditions.
Guidance on issues such as additional conditions on firearms certificates, the law around borrowing guns and access to shooting land.