The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Quick question, what are the legal requirements for a cartridge in order to take all species in the UK (I'm aware that smaller species can be taken with a .22 CF) But generally, expanding bullet of .240"/1700 ft/lbs at the muzzle minimum. But is there a velocity threshold the bullet has to reach as well, or did I imagine it?

min velocity 2450fps most 243s' with 20" barrels can make the 1700ft lb lower limit without going over the top on reloading. .Some of the tame US factory ammo is struggling ,they are tested using longer barrels 24 - 26 ". Bottom line - no-one seems to care ,bullet placement is vital and bambi can't tell the difference. :cheers:

The Law in England and Wales makes no mention of muzzle velocity, only 1700 ftlbs and .240 calibre, stipulating a soft or hollow nosed bullet. This information come from The Deer Initiative, Best Practice Guide for England and Wales and also Deer: Law and Liability, Parks and Thornley published by Swann Hill press. The Law in Scotland does stipulate a minimum MV of 2450 fps and differentiating between Roe and the larger species with regard to muzzle energy and bullet weight.