TIME FOR GUNS TO TRIAL CARTRIDGES

In dismissing the Texas study that showed steel could work as well as lead on mourning doves (Letters, 5 October), Stephen Judd highlights that the US allows velocities of over 1,500ft/sec. Yet the steel loads used in the study had velocities of 1,300ft/sec and would be classed as standard steel over here. Yes, mourning doves are small, hence the small shot; bigger quarry would need larger shot.

A paper published in Wildlife Biology in February 2022 examined the effect of a lead ban on wounding rates for ducks and geese hunted in Illinois. Many will be surprised to learn that reported wounding rates actually fell after the ban. It’s not clear why, but possible explanations include better technology and changes in hunter behaviour.

As for pheasants, it is interesting that Sir Ralph Payne-gallwey, author of

High Pheasants in Theory and Practice (1913), defined a high bird as one 30 yards up. He thought 40 yards was exceptionally high.

In response to Stephen Judd (Letters, 5 October) I suggest steel shot has improved considerably since we first were subjected to non-toxic alternatives for wildfowling 20 years ago. Recently I bit the bullet and purchased two boxes of Eley Eco Wad steel shot in 32g

No 5 and 28g No 7. Both boxes were used for shooting woodpigeon over decoys.

The No 7 shot was my preferred cartridge and killed pigeon far better than the No 5s. One bird was downed at over 50 yards, thus proving steel factorybrand loads have improved immensely now that better components are available.

I do understand where Mr Judd is coming from, but is this based upon a lack of understanding between lead and steel and how each works? In 2013, a friend advised of an American loading manual that