Pattern Of Thought

Geoff Garrod conducted an ‘unscientific’ experiment with some new shot and steeled himself for the results.

There has been a great deal of talk over the past few years as to whether lead shot will be banned. Who knows where we will end up with that? I’ve shot a few steel-shot cartridges in the past, mainly when wildfowling and never on pigeons. They seemed pretty effective, but having to use plastic wads, which steel cartridges historically always use, has been something that I have avoided whenever possible.

I changed to fibre wads about 25 years ago because I hate to litter the countryside. I’m not a tree hugging eco-warrior, but it annoys me seeing litter left in the hedgerows and fields, especially plastic. I think it is our duty when we leave after a day’s shooting to ensure we only leave a trampled patch where our hide was set up.

Fibre wads seemed to be the best option – until now. Eley has introduced a new steel shot cartridge with a shot cup that is totally organic and will dissolve, leaving no trace on the ground after about 30 days. They’re called VIP Steel Pro Eco Wad. I decided to give them a go and I was amazed at how effective they were.

Test

I’m good at unscientific experiments. I know that pattern plates do not show the full picture of how a cartridge performs, but they certainly give a clue as to how they will perform in the field. I shot a 32g No. 5 shot steel cartridge and a 32g No. 6 shot lead cartridge through a quarter choke, and also the same lead cartridge through a three-quarter choke, all at 20 paces and through some paper.