Best all-round steel shell for pigeon and pheasant

I want to convert to an all-round steel shell for both pheasant and pigeon shooting. What would you recommend? Andy Crow replies…

Q

I read with interest the article on lead-free shot and want to convert to an all-round steel shell for both pheasant and pigeon shooting. What would you recommend?

ANDY CROW replies: I have used a fair few ‘premium’ steel loads over the past couple of years and have been quite impressed. Eley’s Lightning Steel was fast and effective, and recently I have been shooting Gamebore’s Super Steel loads.

My advice would be to go up a shot size – so from a no.6 to a no.5 for pigeons, and a no.5 to a no.4 for pheasant. And go for a decent payload such as a 32g. You won’t be turning stuff inside out at 70 yards with steel, but for ‘normal’ ranges out to say 45-50 yards, they are very good.