17/07/2025
From Just Cartridges -
The Lead Ban | What It Means for Shotgun Shooters and What to Expect Next
The Government has indicated that legislation to ban lead shot for shotgun use will come into effect in summer 2026, with a three-year transition period. This means the use of lead shot will likely be prohibited from summer 2029 onward.
That gives us four full shooting seasons before the proposed ban:
2025 / 26
2026 / 27
2027 / 28
2028 / 29
Of course, these dates are not yet set in stone. No final legislation has been published, and timelines may shift – especially with pressure from shooting organisations to extend the transition period in line with HSE advice. But for now, we must work on the basis that the current proposals will be implemented as planned.
Lead Ban Timeline
How Will This Affect Game Shooters?
At Just Cartridges, we believe the 2025 / 26 season will be largely unaffected in terms of lead shot supply. Most mainstream lead cartridges will still be available into 2026 / 27 and 2027 / 28, but more obscure or specialist loads may start to disappear as manufacturers begin winding down lead production.
By the 2028 / 29 season, supply is likely to become much more difficult. Manufacturers, importers, and retailers will be working to clear lead stock ahead of the 2029 deadline, and we anticipate severe shortages of lead products by that time.
From 2026 / 27 onwards, expect a phased reduction in lead availability and a growing shift to alternative materials, especially steel.
For Clay Shooters
It’s worth noting that while the lead shot ban is largely driven by environmental concerns around live quarry and wetland shooting, clay shooters won’t be immune to its effects. The legislation is expected to cover all uses of lead shot, including clay target disciplines. That means even for practice or competition, alternative loads will become necessary.
There may be limited exemptions – for example, it’s understood that elite athletes could be permitted to use lead under strict regulation. However, these exemptions are expected to be tightly controlled, and the details will become clearer once the final legislation is published.
While some disciplines and grounds have already started experimenting with steel or lead-free options, we anticipate a gradual but inevitable transition across the clay shooting scene. Stock up wisely, and don’t leave it too late to test what works in your gun and for your chosen discipline.
One challenge for clay shooters is the current lack of biodegradable wad options in steel loads. At present, most steel clay cartridges are still loaded with traditional plastic wads. It’s possible that more grounds may temporarily revert to accepting plastic wads as the legislation nears, particularly if biodegradable options remain limited or cost-prohibitive.
Biodegradable wads are expensive to manufacture, and if plastic wads are still no longer accepted at the majority of clay grounds, we could see the end of the affordable ‘budget’ loads that many shooters rely on today. This makes the availability and affordability of suitable alternatives a key issue in the years ahead.
Cost aside, we do expect to see more clay loads with biodegradable wads come to market over the next 3 years, giving shooters more options and helping ease the transition as regulation tightens.
The Future: Steel, Bismuth, and What Comes Next
When it comes to alternatives:
Steel is the most viable option moving forward. All major manufacturers now offer biodegradable full-cup wads, making modern steel cartridges safe and effective in many guns.
Tungsten is already priced out of reach, with no mainstream manufacturer producing it for general use.
Bismuth is going the same way. While we still hold good stocks at pre-increase prices, raw Bismuth is now around $50,000 per tonne. At that rate, end-product prices would double – making them unaffordable for many shooters.
The bottom line? If we want to keep shooting, we’ll have to embrace steel as the go-to solution.
Fully stocked with lead shot cartridges for the 2025 / 26 season
Strong supply of Bismuth at pre-increase pricing – while it lasts
Extensive range of steel and other alternative loads as the industry adapts
We’re monitoring developments closely and working with all major suppliers to maintain a stable, reliable stock position throughout the transition period.
Plan Ahead
While we’re not here to scaremonger, the shift is real – and it’s coming. We strongly recommend ordering in good time, especially if you rely on specific lead loads or want to secure Bismuth before prices rise further.
From Just Cartridges
Burgess, J. (2025). Lead Ban | What It Means for Shooters and What to Expect Next | Just Cartridges | . 7 [Accessed 17 Jul. 2025].
