Leadership, rather than compliance 

In 2020, a coalition of shooting and countryside organisations – including BASC – made a landmark commitment: to voluntarily transition away from lead shot and single-use plastic wads for live quarry shooting within five years. That pledge marked a proactive shift in the sector, prioritising leadership over regulation, and environmental responsibility over inertia.

The decision wasn’t universally welcomed. Strong opinions remain, and not all shooters were ready to embrace such a dramatic change. But those debates have been essential, reflecting how deeply people care about the future of their sport.

Progress Through Partnership

The results speak for themselves. There are now over 150 sustainable shotgun cartridge options on the UK market, delivering reliable performance across all disciplines – from walked-up game to driven shoots. Thanks to decades of research, including work by US ballistics expert Tom Roster and a lethality review by Cranfield University, the performance of standard steel cartridges has proven effective – especially when shooters adjust their shot size accordingly (e.g. from No. 6 to No. 4).

At the heart of this transformation is a collaborative effort spanning cartridge manufacturers, estates, retailers, and thousands of shooters. BASC has supported this shift through Sustainable Ammunition Days, webinars, and close work with the gun trade to provide expert advice on compatibility and safety.

“This transformation hasn’t happened by accident. It’s the result of sustained effort and shared commitment,” Behan writes.

Environmental and Health Imperatives

The motivation is clear. Lead presents well-established risks to wildlife – especially wildfowl and birds of prey – and fragments can linger in game meat, posing risks to children and pregnant women. Health authorities across Europe and North America have issued warnings, and UK supermarkets increasingly demand lead-free, traceable game.

Commercial and Technical Innovation

Innovation hasn’t come cheap. Developing new materials, machines, and cartridges has required time and investment – not just to meet future regulation, but to uphold shooting’s long-term credibility. Recent product launches, such as biodegradable .410 wadding and 28g steel cartridges from Jocker, signal that manufacturers are rising to the challenge.

Supporting the Final Transition

While not every cartridge variant is yet available for all bores, BASC continues to expand training, tools, and regional workshops. These resources are critical for helping Guns understand what works in their firearms, especially in the final stages of transition before expected legislation.

“This is about more than compliance – it’s about securing the future of shooting through integrity, innovation and responsibility.”

The past five years have shown that shooting’s traditions and its adaptability can coexist. By choosing leadership, the shooting community is future-proofing the sport for the next generation.