The best cartridges for partridges

Similar to grouse cartridges in terms of load, I would recommend 28 to 30gms for 12 bore users and 25 to 28gm of lead for the 20 gauge user. Shot sizes again similar from 5½ to 7 will kill even the most testing of birds.

There is now a partridge specific cartridge in the form of Hull’s The Partridge Cartridge which is a slightly heavy in my view, 32gm load in 5½ shot with the now nearly ubiquitous fibre wad. This cartridge is really designed for proper testing partridges and will kill anything you wave it at, assuming of course you are on target. At £348 per 1,000 it is not the cheapest of the bunch but neither is it the most expensive and it will do the job admirably. Soft shooting yet fast, I really do like half shot sizes as it can sometimes give you that little bit extra that may be required…

Partridge shooting at Vaynor Park

Keeping with the 5½ shot that I so favour, Gamebore’s Grouse Extreme loads as discussed in last month’s missive, are entirely suitable and the 29 or 31gm load is the one to go for also available in 6 shot if you prefer, starting at £349 per 1,000. Diamond Shot comes as standard of course, giving better patterns and this cartridge combines comfort with performance to a degree that is extremely noticeable.

The copper coated Eley Zenith is also entirely suitable, giving as it does, better patterns just like Gamebore’s Diamond Shot. The 30gm in 6 shot is the one to go for at £359. RC’s Professional Game are also ideal in 28 or 30gm in 6 or 7 shot and being Italian, they are a continental shot size (love it!) so what you are really using is a 5½ or 6½ and also representing exceptional value starting at a paltry £309 per 1,000.

Loyton Sporting have some superb partridge shooting

As per my last missive, the Supreme Game range from Express have a load and shot size for pretty much any eventuality, but for partridges, why not try their brand spanking new Ultimate Power in a 30gm load, shot sizes 5, 6 or 6½ (the latter is the one to go for in this case) at £336.

For 20 bore users, the eponymous RC SIPE in 26gm 6 or 7 shot (£319) or 28gm 6 or 7 (Italian shot sizes remember!) at £324 represent fantastic value for the performance offered. 

Charlie thinks the Black Gold is the best looking 20 bore case around

Gamebore’s extensive Black Gold range is also now gaining traction offering great performance again with Diamond Shot and the sexiest 20 gauge case on the market being a translucent yellow with nickel head. The 28 or 30gm in 6 shot is the one to go for starting at £323.50.

The partridge season is upon us – enjoy!

Charlie Bull is the owner and manager of Just Cartridges who stock upwards of 1 Million cartridges with 1,500 different products. You can visit Just Cartridges at their offices and warehouse near Witney Oxfordshire - close to the M40 and A34 or purchase cartridges online from the Just Cartridges website.

Find out what Charlie thinks are the best cartridge loads for grouse here.