If you haven’t already read the first instalment to the Shooting Clays On A Budget series, you can check that out here.
In this post, we’re going to look at how you can continue to shoot clays affordably, when you’re more advanced in your shooting journey. This post assumes a few things; 1. You’ve got your SGC (Shotgun Certificate), 2. You already have your own gun.
I’ve included a brief summary of the sections covered in the previous post:
SHARING A ROUND OR CARD
Ask the shooting ground if you and your friend(s) can share a card. This will often result in a better rate per bird overall, though you will need to be flexible on the total number of birds you end up shooting.
BUY FEWER CARTRIDGES
While you’re developing your skills, focus on the bird and killing it with the first barrel. Don’t be tempted to use your second barrel unless you’re really confident you can make the kill. This just ends up wasting additional ammo, and that costs money. Do keep a handful of spares though, just in case – think about sharing a spare box with your friend(s).
LOYALTY IS FOR DOGS
Don’t be tempted to shoot the same ground/club every week (or second week if they apply the 28 week rule), if you’re not incentivised to do so. Keep an eye on all the grounds/clubs in your area and go where the specials or deals are.
KEEP TRACK OF DEALS
Keep a spreadsheet or even just a log of the clubs you frequent and their prices/costs (clays, carts and gun hire) and update frequently (using their websites or calling them up).
SHOOTING GEAR
You can get decent ear and eye protection for not too much money these days, have a look around for deals, or try out some suggestions on Amazon.
And some additional ways, now that you’ve got your SGC:
MEMBERSHIP
Now we can look at a new element to bringing your costs down; joining a club or shooting ground as a member.
Most clubs offer memberships which in turn get you preferential rates, not just on clays but also on cartridges, accessories and gear.
If you’ve found a club you enjoy, it may be worth becoming a member, however there are a few things to consider:
- How often they shoot
- Discounts available
- Membership rate
Being an accountant in my previous life (hold on, you mean it isn’t obvious by now?), I do enjoy throwing together a spreadsheet. That said, you don’t need financial modelling skills to be able to work out whether membership is worthwhile.
Let’s use a basic example; a club has an annual membership of £100 which gets you 100 birds for £30 as opposed to £40 (non-members rate). They operate on the 28 day rule and thus shoot 28 times a year. You think you’ll be able to attend 20 out of those 28 shoots.
| Membership | £100 |
| Expected shoots attended | 20 |
| Membership cost per shoot (£100 / 20) | £5 |
| Cost saving per shoot (£40 – £30) | £10 |
| Net cost saving per shoot (£10 less £5) | £5 |
| Total cost saving over the year (20 shoots) | £100 |
If you thought you’d be able to attend every shoot, then the saving is even better at £6.43 per shoot and £180.04 over the year.
BUY YOUR OWN CARTRIDGES
Once you have your SGC, you’ll be able to purchase your own cartridges. Generally, this will result in a better rate per cart than most shooting grounds or clubs. That said, I have found a few where it’s on a par, or partially lower. This is due to them generally securing bulk prices which are lower than the man on the street can get.
If you’re lucky enough to be close to a club that has reasonable prices; I’d suggest buying direct from them when you shoot (or in a bit of bulk if you don’t shoot there regularly). Particularly if you’ve taken up a membership (see section above), you may find the prices unmatched by buying retail.
However, most often you’re better off purchasing your own. However, this isn’t like buying something off of Amazon. There are a few specialist retailers who will deliver cartridges, but the majority of gun shops will not. Additionally, prices for certain carts can differ quite a bit depending on who you’re buying from.
Delivery can range anywhere from £15 upwards, depending on the retailer or quantity. Just Cartridges charge a standard £15 for delivery for every 1,000, on a sliding scale. Although good luck, most of the affordable starter cartridges are out of stock more often than not; plus you only have the joy of finding this out when you try and add your desired purchase to your basket. Up your game, Just Cartridges. The Shotgun Cartridge Company also has a sliding scale delivery based on quantity (effectively weight) and is more expensive than Pellpax (£5+ for delivery for 1,000).
Stay safe, shoot straight.
Gazza. 
