If you’re grinding through those orange targets on a tight budget, you’re not alone out there. Shotgun cartridges can eat into your wallet fast, but smart picks keep the fun rolling without the sting. I’ve crunched user reviews from forums, influencer tests and real performance stats on recoil, patterning, and velocity. Focusing on 12-gauge clay loads under £300 per 1,000 in the UK, here’s the head-to-head on top affordable options like Fiocchi FBlu, Hull Superfast, and more. (US/Aus/SA/EU folks: Check local equivalents via importers like Fiocchi USA for similar deals). I’ve also added Gamebore Evo as a bonus for its smooth reputation in beginner progression.
Prices pulled from UK spots like Just Cartridges and Derek Lee Gunsmiths—grab bulk for max savings. Check out this article for best practice in bring the cost of your ammunition purchases down.
Quick Comparison Table
| Brand | Load / Shot Size | Velocity (fps) | Perceived Recoil | Patterning | Key Take-aways |
| Fiocchi FBlu | 24g / 7.5 | ~1,450 | Very low | Tight for distance | Smooth, consistent—top for comps. |
| Hull Superfast | 27g / 7.5 | ~1,410 | Moderate | Mid-range killer | Versatile all-rounder. |
| Eley Select | 21-28g / 7.5 | ~1,425 | Manageable | Long-range punch | Proven in wins, newbie-friendly. |
| Lyalvale English Sporter | 28g / 7.5 | ~1,425 | Moderate | Versatile | Great for skeet/sporting mixes. |
| Fiocchi Litespeed | 26g / 7.5 | ~1,450 | Low | Consistent | Light and reliable for starters. |
| Gamebore Velocity | 28g / 7.5 | ~1,410 | Moderate | Club-ready | Budget staple with pedigree. |
| Hull CompX | 21g or 28g / 7.5 | ~1,410 | Low | Reliable | Entry-level ease. |
| Gamebore Evo | 21-28g / 7.5 | ~1,410 | Low | Even | Smooth for progression. |
Our Rankings: Top Picks for Value
- Fiocchi FBlu – Crown for low-recoil bliss and tight patterns. Users swear by its consistency in long shoots—beats pricier stuff hands-down.
- Hull Superfast – Versatile beast for mid-range clays. Forum faves for “killing well” without the kickback.
- Eley Select – Long-range hero with comp credentials. One reviewer nabbed a win on these—universal appeal.
- Lyalvale English Sporter – All-purpose for varied disciplines. Reliable patterns keep it in the mix.
- Fiocchi Litespeed – Lighter twin to FBlu, ideal for recoil-shy folks. Solid but less hyped.
- Gamebore Velocity – Cheapest club pick with decent punch. Great for bulk practice.
- Hull CompX – Newbie gold for short chambers. Low recoil, but lighter loads limit it.
- Gamebore Evo – Smooth operator for stepping up, though pricier end of the bunch.
DEEP DIVE: What Shooters Are Saying
Let’s break it down cartridge by cartridge, pulling from real user chatter on forums, X posts, and influencer video tests. These are all plastic wad-focused for consistency (fibre if your ground mandates it for eco reasons).
- Fiocchi FBlu: This one’s a standout for budget-conscious competitors. Praised for minimal recoil—”hardly any kick”—making it perfect for long sessions. Patterning holds tight on distant clays, and velocity keeps it punchy without the thump. One calls it their “preferred” for smoothness, edging out Gamebore Evo in consistency. Drawback? Rare duds in older batches, but recent reviews are solid. Personally I’ve only ever had 1 or 2 hard primers on these.
- Hull Superfast: If you’re after an all-round staple, this delivers. Shooters in field tests love its patterns on mid-range crossers and rabbits—”kills well at distance.” Recoil’s moderate but not punishing, and it’s fast enough for sporting layouts. Forum folks rave about it for casual bashing or entry-level comps; one user switched from pricier options and saw no drop in hits.
- Fiocchi Litespeed: A lighter sibling to FBlu, it’s designed for speed with low recoil. Reviews are scarcer on these, but they are newer to the market; but users note similar tight patterning and reliability. Great for lighter guns or recoil-sensitive shooters. Shooters group it with Fiocchi’s budget line as “functional and cheap” for club days.
- Hull CompX: Entry-level gold here—low recoil makes it newbie-friendly, and it’s versatile for 2.5″ chambers. Shooters say it’s “not bumpy” over 100 birds, with good kills on varied targets. Experts highlight its moderate velocity for consistent club performance; one review called it a “go-to budget” for simulated game.
- Eley Select: Packs a punch for long-range clays without the premium price. Recoil’s manageable, and patterning shines on distant birds. A cool story from reviews: a 13-year-old won a competition car using these! Users appreciate the universal fit for club to comp transitions.
- Lyalvale English Sporter: Versatile beast for skeet, sporting, or trap. Moderate recoil, solid velocity, and patterns that work across layouts. Expert reviews call it an “all-purpose” option; forum users agree it’s reliable for diverse shoots.
- Gamebore Velocity: Budget pedigree at its finest—affordable and consistent for clubmen. Moderate recoil and good patterning make it a staple. Noted as not being the smoothest but excels in value; praised for its “excellent pedigree” for everyday use.
- Gamebore Evo (Bonus Pick): Worth adding as the honourable mention—smoother than Velocity with low recoil. Tests show it’s reliable for beginners progressing to comps. Users say it’s “not prone to issues” like some Fiocchis, and patterning is even.
Want to better understand the ranking, but based on shooter experience? Detailed article coming soon – keep checking in.
Don’t forget: test slabs yourself—recoil varies by gun. Don’t forget fibre wads for eco grounds; plastic for patterns. Hopefully the above list gives you somewhere to start.
In the US? Hunt Fiocchi deals on MidwayUSA.
Happy clay busting!
Gazza.
