Home / 5 of the best clay cartridges
Cartridges

5 of the best clay cartridges

We nominate our favourite all-round clay loads for outstanding performance in 2026

Sporting Gun
Sporting Gun 2 March 2026
5 of the best clay cartridges

Consistency, clean breaks and confident recoil management separate good clay cartridges from great ones.

With manufacturers constantly refining powders, shot quality and wad technology, today’s shooter is spoilt for choice. From competition-proven performers to dependable all-rounders that don’t break the bank, these five cartridges deliver the pattern quality, reliability and performance demanded on modern layouts, whether for registered competitions, club events or general clay shooting with friends and family.

Hull Cartridge: Superfast

Hull Cartridge’s Superfast has earned a long-standing reputation as one of the most dependable clay loads on the circuit, with a speed of circa 1,500fps. Designed for smooth recoil and impressive target-breaking performance, it offers excellent consistency shot after shot. Clean-burning powders help keep barrels in good condition during long days on the layout, while carefully matched components deliver reliable velocities and uniform patterns. Suitable for a wide range of disciplines, Superfast remains a trusted choice for shooters wanting performance, control and proven pedigree with a reasonable price tag.
From £285 / 1,000

Trust: S1

Trust celebrates a century of continuous cartridge production, remaining under the ownership of the founding families since 1926. The S1 may be the entry-level load in the range, yet its performance rivals many more expensive cartridges. Known for low recoil, consistent patterns and impressive speed, it delivers dependable results across disciplines. Available in 24g and 28g in both fibre and plastic wad options, the S1 represents excellent variation and value. Trust cartridges have been distributed in the UK by Shooting Star for over 20 years.
£300 / 1,000

Gamebore: White Gold

The choice cartridge of multiple World Champion and guest editor for this issue, George Digweed MBE, Gamebore’s White Gold is widely regarded as the benchmark for competition loads. Featuring the company’s British-made Diamond Shot, it delivers exceptional pattern uniformity and striking power on target. Manufactured to exacting standards, White Gold provides the consistency and confidence demanded by serious competitors. Its smooth performance and proven reliability have earned international recognition, making it a premium choice for shooters seeking top-tier results across demanding sporting layouts. Circa 1,450fps speed.
£360 / 1,000

Eley Hawk: Superb

The Superb is a premium clay cartridge designed to provide smooth, controlled recoil and authoritative target breaks across all disciplines. Available in a wide range of shot sizes – colour coded for quick selection – in both fibre and plastic wad options, it delivers consistent patterning and dependable performance. Carefully balanced powders and slow-burning primers ensure confident acceleration and reliable results shot after shot. Superb remains a popular choice among competitive shooters and serious enthusiasts seeking refined performance and consistency without a top level price point. Circa 1,375fps speeds. Dealers nationwide.
£334 / 1,000

Lyalvale Express: Power Gold

Power Gold has built a loyal following as a true all-round clay cartridge, trusted by generations of shooters. Delivering clean, decisive breaks with consistent pattern performance, it suits everything from sporting to skeet and trap. A wide choice of shot sizes and load options allows shooters to tailor performance to their style and preferred layouts. Combining reliability, versatility and strong value, Power Gold remains a dependable go-to cartridge for regular competitors and club shooters alike. Circa 1,400fps speeds.
£333 / 1,000

This article contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate income helps us maintain the quality of our content and keep it freely accessible. All recommendations are based on our honest opinions and thorough research. Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers.  Find out more

Related Buying Guides