STEEL SHOT

Regarding steel shot for 28-bore guns (Letters, 20 May), the shooting journalist Richard Brigham solved his supply problem by handloading his cartridges. He used American No 6 steel shot, which has the same nominal diameter as the UK’S No 5 (0.11in) and weighs in at 315 per ounce – or 221 pellets for a 19g load.

Assuming this size of steel shot loses velocity at about the same rate as No 7 lead shot, UK No 5 steel pellets will have about a penetrating energy similar to UK No 7 shot. Richard reported that this combination of 28-bore and steel shot gave him the same results as a 12-bore with lead shot for shooting pigeon over decoys. However, he did keep to a maximum range of 35 yards.

He also bagged a couple of geese with head/neck shots, something I would leave to experts who can guarantee putting head/neck shots at the centre of the pattern.

C Norris, by email