What's the Best Shotgun Cartridge for Game Shooting in 2025?

As revealed by the 2025 GunsOnPegs Shooting Census, proudly supported by Lycetts.

Whether you’re blaming them for your misses, nicking a few spares in the gunbus, or loudly defending your favourite brand at elevenses, cartridges are always up for discussion - and never short on opinions.

If you’ve got a shooting diary the size of Tolstoy’s collected works, you probably know exactly what you like - and if you don’t, it’s high time you found out. Maybe the rest of the country’s opinions will help.

So, what do Guns actually use? Which brands are winning loyalty? And what do the keenest shots in the country load into their chambers?

Thanks to the 2025 GunsOnPegs Shooting Census, we’ve crunched the numbers to reveal which cartridges are leading the way - and what’s really keeping you loyal.

The Top Brands in 2025

Across the full dataset, Gamebore emerged as the most-used cartridge brand among guns. Their dominance is particularly strong in the north of England, where the brand is synonymous with innovation and consistency - and hills that demand both.

Next up: Hull Cartridge. Hull remains hugely popular across southern England - particularly London, the South East, and Yorkshire, even if they didn’t feature prominently among the youngest shooters. A solid performer with a strong reputation for reliability and value.

Just behind: Eley Hawk, who were only just pipped to the post by Hull in the overall rankings. But they’re winning where it really counts: with the future.

Eley: The Favourite Among Young Guns

Among respondents aged under 25, Eley was the top choice, leading the pack with 42.9% of shooters in that group. They also came second among 25-34s - a sign of growing strength with the next generation.

It’s not just a youth vote, either. When we analysed what keeps guns loyal, Eley fans consistently praised the low recoil, reliability, and performance - all of which add up to a smooth day in the field.

In the Midlands, Eley also came out on top. Whether that’s thanks to local loyalty, excellent product, or some deep psychological connection with green and gold, we’ll leave to the theorists. Either way, they’re flying off the shelves.

Gamebore: Trusted by the Most Active Shots

While Eley wins among the youngest, Gamebore dominates the high-frequency crowd. Among Guns who shoot more than 15 days a year, Gamebore leads with 41.9%. Among the truly avid - 30+ days a year - that jumps to 46.4%.

In these groups, Hull and Eley feature too, but Gamebore’s lead is clear.

Gamebore users most often cited patterning, consistency, and confidence as key loyalty drivers. It’s a vote for performance and reliability - and one that holds strong even as volume increases.

They also placed top among under-35s overall - proving that innovation and modernity carry weight with the younger crowd.

Regional Loyalties - A Very British Divide

We looked at cartridge preference by region - and the results reflect both tradition and terrain:

• Hull Cartridge: Strong in London, the South East, and Yorkshire
• Eley Hawk: Top pick in the Midlands and solid across the North West
• Gamebore: Leads in the North East, South West, and Scotland
• Lyalvale Express: Shows consistent pockets of support in the Midlands and South

While topography isn’t everything, it’s worth noting that cartridge loyalty tends to echo the ground underfoot. Flatland shooters often favour smoothness. Hill men and women look for punch. And all of us want something to blame when we miss.

In Scotland and the North East, Gamebore thrives - likely helped by loyal users who’ve come to rely on tight patterning and long-range consistency.

Meanwhile, Hull’s performance in the South East makes sense: it’s a region with a lot of traditional driven days and established guns. And Eley’s grip on the Midlands suggests regional pride is alive and well.

What Keeps Guns Loyal?

When asked what keeps them loyal to a cartridge brand, here’s what came up most frequently by brand:

• Eley = Low recoil, Reliability, Performance
• Gamebore = Patterning, Consistency, Confidence
• Hull = Reliability, Reputation, Value
• Lyalvale = UK-made, Local support

It’s clear that different guns value different things - and manufacturers are earning loyalty in very different ways.

And of course, the Census wouldn’t be complete without a few corkers in the “Other” column:

• “Whatever’s in the boot”
• “Anything I’m not paying for”
• “No loyalty. It’s the price.”

Honest as ever.

The Grouse Factor

Among Guns who’ve shot grouse before, the top two brands were once again Gamebore and Eley - but this time, Eley edged Hull for second place.

Whether it’s down to recoil, speed, or something else, it’s another sign that Eley is earning its place at the top end of the sport. Gamebore’s place is already well-established.

So… Which Cartridge Should You Use?

That’s entirely up to you - but if this year’s Census shows anything, it’s that cartridge loyalty is personal, passionate, and built on a great variety of factors.

Gamebore continues to dominate. Eley is rising fast. Hull remains a trusted staple. And every gun has a reason - or three - for the choice in their pocket.

If nothing else, it’s good ammo for the gunbus.

Happy shooting - and thanks again to Lycetts for proudly supporting the 2025 GunsOnPegs Shooting Census.