Best Pigeon Shooting Cartridges

Whether you’re decoying pigeons in a field or flight-lining near a roost, one of the most important tools for success is choosing the right cartridge. The best pigeon shooting cartridges provide the perfect balance of pattern density, pellet energy, low recoil, and consistent ignition—allowing you to deliver clean, humane kills while maintaining comfort over a long day in the hide.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about selecting the best shotgun cartridges for pigeon shooting, from shot sizes to velocity, popular brands, and real-world performance. We’ll also highlight top-performing loads that UK and global shooters trust.

And for pigeon enthusiasts who raise or race birds, be sure to check out the Pigeon Velocity Calculator—an essential tool for tracking flight times, measuring speed, and managing your loft’s performance.

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Why Choosing the Right Pigeon Cartridge Matters

Pigeon shooting isn’t just a casual pastime—it requires precision, fast reactions, and gear that matches your skill. Using the wrong cartridges can result in:

• Missed shots due to poor spread or inconsistent performance

• Wounding birds rather than clean kills (which is unethical and counterproductive)

• Shoulder fatigue from excessive recoil

• Shorter shooting days due to discomfort

That’s why seasoned shooters pay close attention to cartridge specs, including gauge, shot size, velocity, and payload.

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Key Specs to Consider in Pigeon Shooting Cartridges

1. Gauge (12 Gauge Preferred)

While you can shoot pigeons with a 20 or 16 gauge, 12-gauge shotguns remain the most popular. They offer:

• Greater variety of cartridge options

• More consistent patterning at longer ranges

• Manageable recoil in modern loads

For most pigeon setups, 12 gauge provides the best balance of power and availability.

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2. Shot Size (6, 6.5, or 7)

Shot size determines pellet count and energy per pellet. Here’s a general breakdown:

For most UK and EU pigeon shooters, 6.5 is the sweet spot—offering tight enough patterns with enough energy to drop fast-flying birds.

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3. Load Weight (28–32 grams)

Load weight refers to the total amount of shot in the shell. Most pigeon shooters use:

• 28g: Great for warm days, moderate recoil, and decoying setups

• 30g–32g: Better for longer shots, windier conditions, or flight-line shooting

Avoid going too heavy unless necessary. Larger loads create more recoil, which can affect your comfort and rhythm over a long day.

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4. Velocity (1,250–1,450 fps)

Velocity affects how quickly pellets reach the target—and how far ahead you need to lead.

• Lower velocity (1,250 fps): Softer recoil, more forgiving

• High velocity (1,400+ fps): Better for fast-moving pigeons but more recoil

Balance is key. High-velocity shells perform well, but excessive recoil can impact your form and lead to fatigue.

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Top Pigeon Shooting Cartridges (Tried & Tested)

Here are the most popular and effective cartridges for pigeon shooting, trusted by gamekeepers, farmers, and sport shooters alike:

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1. Gamebore Clear Pigeon

Specs:

• 12 Gauge

• Shot size 6.5

• Load: 30g

• Velocity: ~1,425 fps

Why it’s great:
Specifically engineered for pigeon control, this cartridge is a go-to for many UK shooters. It patterns beautifully out of most barrels and delivers excellent knockdown power without harsh recoil.

Best for:
All-around pigeon shooting, especially decoying and roosting.

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2. Eley Hawk Pigeon Select

Specs:

• 12 Gauge

• Shot size 6.5

• Load: 30g

• Velocity: ~1,400 fps

Why it’s great:
Eley is a heritage name in shooting, and Pigeon Select lives up to its reputation. It offers balanced recoil and fantastic spread, ideal for beginners and experienced shooters alike.

Best for:
Shooters who want a forgiving, consistent cartridge for long sessions.

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3. Hull Cartridge High Pheasant Extreme

Specs:

• 12 Gauge

• Shot size 6

• Load: 32g

• Velocity: 1,450 fps

Why it’s great:
Originally designed for high birds, this shell also excels in windy pigeon conditions or on flight lines. It’s fast, hard-hitting, and extremely clean-burning.

Best for:
Experienced shooters dealing with longer distances or challenging wind.

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4. Lyalvale Express Pigeon Special

Specs:

• 12 Gauge

• Shot size 6.5

• Load: 30g

• Velocity: ~1,400 fps

Why it’s great:
Affordable, dependable, and made in the UK. Lyalvale’s Pigeon Special performs consistently and is often used by farmers and pest control professionals.

Best for:
Budget-conscious shooters or high-volume shooting days.

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Environmental Note: Steel vs. Lead Shot

With increasing pressure to phase out lead, many manufacturers now offer non-toxic options for pigeon control.

• Steel shot: Lighter and faster but loses energy more quickly. Look for High Velocity steel shells.

• Bismuth or tungsten: More expensive, but closer in performance to lead.

Check local regulations, especially if shooting over wetlands or conservation land.

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Tips for Getting the Most from Your Cartridges

• Pattern test your cartridges with your shotgun to see how they spread at different ranges.

• Use the right choke—Modified or Improved Cylinder chokes work best for pigeons.

• Clean your gun regularly, especially when using high-velocity or steel loads.

• Practice leads and shot placement—especially if transitioning between different loads or gun types.

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Already Keep Pigeons? Manage Them With Precision

For those on the other side of the pigeon world—racing and breeding—precision and performance matter just as much.

The Pigeon Velocity Calculator is the tool you need to:

• Calculate exact flight speeds

• Compare birds across races and distances

• Monitor training sessions

• Improve loft performance over time

It’s easy to use, web-based, and optimized for pigeon sport enthusiasts who care about data-driven results.

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Conclusion: Choose the Right Cartridge, Shoot More Cleanly

So, what’s the best pigeon shooting cartridge? It depends on your setup, shooting style, and conditions. But you can’t go wrong with trusted names like:

• Gamebore Clear Pigeon

• Eley Pigeon Select

• Hull High Pheasant Extreme

• Lyalvale Pigeon Special

These cartridges are proven in the field, offering great patterns, manageable recoil, and ethical stopping power.

Whether you’re decoying over winter crops or roost shooting in early spring, the right shell can make all the difference between frustration and a full game bag.

And if you’re managing your own loft? Don’t guess—measure and improve with the Pigeon Velocity Calculator. Whether in the hide or at the loft, precision always wins.