Matt Ellis BASC head of science, experienced game and pigeon shooter.Steel can penetrate better than lead by cutting through feathers, rather than balling them up and dragging them in to the wound. We’ve found that lead can lose 30% of its energy this way.The powders and the quality of factory loads have also increased significantly, and to get the best from modern steel loads I would recommend an increase of two shot size compared to the equivalent lead load. Remember, though, that whatever shot material you use, the bigger the pellet the heavier the load required in order to give you the necessary pellet count. Pattern your own gun with whatever you decide to use so you can find out how your cartridge and choke performs at the ranges you shoot at.My observations:5s and 4s are a great pigeon and teal cartridge in 32g to 36g loads.4s and 3s offer increased velocity and will do the job perfectly on pheasant or mallard in 32g to 36g loads.3s, 2s and 1s are for those high-flighting birds or geese, in 34g to 42g loads.The biggest drawback of steel ammunition is the requirement for a plastic wad. BASC is working with numerous cartridge manufacturers to encourage the production of biodegradable wad alternatives and a number of options are now on the market. View more profiles Steel - more than a glance From sceptics to converts, several experienced shots share their thoughts on shooting with steel. Learn more Steel more than a glance From sceptics to converts, several experienced shots share their thoughts on shooting with steel. Learn more Moving away from lead shotLeading shooting and rural organisations have announced they want an end to the use of lead and single-use plastics in shotgun ammunition for live quarry shooting within five years.Learn moreBASC Member get a MemberIf you introduce a friend to BASC, you could each win a gun worth around £2000 in our annual Member Get A Member free prize draw.Medical Involvement in Firearms LicensingA number of police forces in England and Wales have breached Home Office guidance by imposing mandatory GP screening for all applications for shotgun, firearm and explosives certificates.BASC Legacy Funded Scholarship Programme 2020BASC’s Legacy Funded Scholarship Programme aims to support and encourage those wishing to develop their knowledge in conservation, land management or gamekeeping. It provides financial assistance to applicants where lack of funding obstructs education and future careers.Taste of GameClick here to discover some delicious game recipes that will transform your mealtimes. Previous Next BASC Wildfowling Find out more about BASC Wildfowling. Click here BASC Wildfowling Find out more about BASC Wildfowling. Click here