Hit Me With Your Best Shot

When it comes to bagging birds–whether it be grouse, pheasant, partridge, woodcock, snipe or duck–your choice of cartridge and load is key.

- Nick Hammond

Of course it helps if you point your gun in the right direction and give your target enough lead, but you’ll achieve the best gameshooting results when your marksmanship is aided and abetted by your choice of cartridge.

Although it’s true that 30g of No 6 shot will stand you in good stead for a fair swathe of shooting, in the long run, it pays to have a core selection of cartridges in your ammunition box. That way, you’ll be prepared for any eventuality or that sudden, unexpected shooting invitation. And, let’s face it, who doesn’t dream of being on a moor on a sunlit August morning, waiting for grouse to appear over the butts?

Grouse

During August and September, 30g of No 6 will enable you to cleanly kill grouse out to 45 yards. As the birds get stronger and faster towards the end of the season, they’re harder to knock down—particularly going away. Go for a heavier load with perhaps a No 5 shot—and, as with all game shooting, fibre or biodegradable wads only, please.

Pheasant and partridge