How to Choose the Right Lead-Free Load for Your Game Shooting

Since the voluntary ‘phase out’ was announced in February 2020, cartridge companies have made enormous strides in developing and launching lead-free, plastic free loads for the UK game shot. Eley Hawk have been at the forefront of developing these loads from the very start.

According to the 2026 Game Shooting Census, carried out by GunsOnPegs in association with GWCT, BASC and Countryside Alliance, 14% of game shots ready to make the switch this season, with a further 33% having at least tried a non-lead load in the last 2 seasons. 

The Census has, over several years, revealed that game shots tend to find a cartridge that suits them and their shooting, and then stick with it. So for many the idea of having to find a new load is a daunting prospect, made more complicated by the nuances of shooting with steel shot.

At face value, it does all seem rather complicated, but it is actually fairly straightforward. The trick is matching the cartridge to your gun and the type of shooting you actually do.

Step One: Start with your shotgun

Before worrying about velocity, pellet size or brand, the first question should always be: what can my gun safely shoot?

Modern guns with Steel Proof (Fleur-de-Lys) and half choke or less

If your gun carries the Fleur-de-Lys steel proof mark and you're using half choke or more open, you have the widest choice available.

These guns are designed to handle both Standard Steel and High Performance Steel loads, giving you access to heavier payloads and larger shot sizes where they're appropriate.

Steel-proof guns with tighter chokes

If your gun is Steel Proof, but you have tight chokes fitted (tighter than half choke), you will only be able to use Standard Steel loads. 

Nitro-proofed guns (post-1954) without Steel Proof

Most post-war British and European shotguns are nitro proofed but do not carry the Fleur-de-Lys steel proof mark.

Provided the gun is in good condition and fitted with half choke or more open, Standard Steel cartridges can normally be used safely, in accordance with proof guidance.

Damascus and pre-1954 guns

If your gun has Damascus barrels, is not Nitro-proof or was made before 1954, it is unlikely to be suitable for use with steel shot.

Bismuth is an excellent - if pricier - alternative because its density and performance characteristics are much closer to lead. It can often be used safely in older guns that cannot fire steel, subject to the gun being in sound condition and a competent gunsmith confirming its suitability.

Chamber length

As with lead cartridges, you must ensure that you use a cartridge suitable for your gun’s chamber length. You must not shoot a 70mm cartridge in a 65mm chamber, for example. 

Disclaimer

If you are in any doubt about the proof status of your gun, or how it is choked, or its chamber length, consult your gunsmith before proceeding.

Step Two: Match the cartridge to the kind of shooting that you are doing

Your gun determines what you can shoot. Your quarry determines what you should shoot.

Typical UK game shooting

For the overwhelming majority of driven pheasants, partridges, and walked-up days, Standard Steel loads with appropriate shot sizes will comfortably do the job.

Eley Hawk's VIP Steel Pro Eco Wad range is an excellent example, combining proven Standard Steel performance with the company's biodegradable Pro Eco wad, eliminating plastic from the equation while delivering consistent patterns. The Pro Eco wad is made from natural materials, dissolves in water and biodegrades in soil, offering a genuinely plastic-free solution.

For more modern guns with 70mm chambers, something like the Eley VIP Steel PEW is a great choice. It combines the Pro Eco Wad system with a state-of-the-art SSB powder and premium steel shot. 

For guns with 65mm chambers the Eley Grand Prix Traditional Steel Pro Eco are a good alternative, with a true 2 ½“ case.

For guns that can’t take steel look no further than Grand Prix Traditional Bismuth Pro-Eco (65mm case), or the fibre wadded VIP Bismuth (67mm cases). 

Smaller bore users can opt for the VIP Steel PEW 20G, VIP Bismuth 20G or VIP Bismuth 16G.

High birds

Exceptionally high pheasants are different. As range increases, retained energy becomes increasingly important.

If your gun is Steel Proof, High Performance Steel loads may offer the extra pellet energy required for genuinely challenging birds - Eley’s ESP HP Steel Pro Eco is suitable for guns with 76mm chambers. 

For guns that can only accommodate standard steel, but in situations where that extended range and knock-down power is needed the Zenith Steel Pro Eco Wad 12 or 20 gauge loads are a great bet. The combination of the superior patterning of the copper-coated lead shot and Pro Eco Wad’s shot cup deliver excellent ballistics even when reaching for a proper high bird. 

If you're shooting an older gun that cannot use steel, premium bismuth cartridges like the Zenith Bismuth PEW 12 and 20 gauge loads remain an excellent option, delivering ballistic performance much closer to traditional lead. For short chambered guns, Grand Prix Traditional Bismuth will hit the mark, with the added bonus that 2p from every cartridge sold will be donated to GWCT.

The bottom line

Choosing a lead-free cartridge has become less about finding the best cartridge and more about finding the best cartridge for your gun.

Start with your proof marks. Check your choke. Be honest about the sort of shooting you actually do.

Once you've narrowed down the safe options, spend an hour on the pattern plate. You'll quickly discover that the right cartridge is the one that patterns consistently through your gun and gives you confidence in the field.