The Ban: What’s Happening?

On 10 July 2025, the UK government (DEFRA) confirmed that lead ammunition will be banned for outdoor shooting, including all clay shooting disciplines.

Legislation will be introduced in summer 2026.

A three-year transition period will follow.

By the start of the 2029–2030 season, lead shot will be fully banned for clay shooting in England, Scotland, and Wales.

This includes any shotgun cartridge containing more than 1% lead—regardless of whether you’re shooting sporting, skeet, trap, or simulated game.

Impact on Clay Shooting Grounds

The ban applies to all clay shooting venues, including:

Commercial clay shooting grounds

Simulated game shoots

Private clay setups on farms or estates

Charity, corporate, or club events

Unless a venue is fully enclosed with an approved lead-recovery system, lead will no longer be permitted. Most clay ranges operate in open environments and will therefore not qualify for exemptions.

Venues must prepare to switch entirely to non-lead cartridges before the transition period ends.

Ammunition Alternatives for Clay Shooters

Steel

• The most affordable and widely available

• Suitable for modern steel-proofed shotguns

• May require adjustments in choke and shot size (e.g. size 7 or larger)

• Higher risk of ricochet on hard surfaces

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Bismuth

• Soft like lead and safe for older or fixed-choke shotguns

• Higher cost per box

• Preferred for vintage or lightly-built guns

•  

Tungsten

• Extremely dense and effective

• Often used in high-performance competition loads

• Expensive and less widely available

Shooters are encouraged to test different loads to determine what performs best in their gun.

Transition Challenges for the Clay Shooting Community

Ammunition supply: Demand for steel and bismuth cartridges is expected to increase sharply. Order early, especially for club stock.

Equipment compatibility: Older shotguns may not be steel-proofed and could require use of bismuth only.

Cost implications: Non-lead cartridges are more expensive than traditional lead loads.

Venue compliance: Clubs and grounds will need to ensure that only non-lead cartridges are in use and may need to update signage, safety policies, and shooter briefings.

Recommended Actions

Test steel loads – Try different brands and shot sizes in your gun.

Check proof marks – Confirm whether your shotgun is marked as steel-proofed or consult a gunsmith.

Inform your club – Make sure club organisers are preparing for the transition.

Start stock planning – Pre-order steel or bismuth ammunition to avoid shortages.

Summary

The UK government’s decision to ban lead shot for outdoor use will directly affect all clay shooters by 2029. Whether you shoot recreationally or competitively, transitioning to non-lead cartridges is mandatory.

Now is the time to test alternatives, check your firearm’s compatibility, and ensure your club or ground is ready. With timely preparation, the clay shooting community can continue to thrive under the new regulations.