Best Value Clay Cartridges in the UK (2025)

Best Value Clay Cartridges in the UK (2025)

With cartridge prices creeping up across the UK, value matters more than ever. Whether you're practising for a local competition or enjoying a weekend session, the right cartridge needs to perform without burning through your wallet. In this guide, we compare some of the best value-for-money fibre-wad cartridges, helping you make smarter buying decisions this year.

What Does "Best Value" Actually Mean?

It's not just about buying the cheapest box on the shelf. A proper value cartridge balances price, availability, consistency, and comfort. You want something that breaks clays cleanly, feels good to shoot, and won't let you down, whether it's your first lesson or your fiftieth round of the day.

Key value factors:

• Reliable clay-breaking performance

• Low or manageable recoil for longer sessions

• Widespread availability at UK gunrooms

• Competitive pricing per 250 or 1,000 rounds

Price Comparison Snapshot

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1. Hull Comp X 21g – Light, Consistent & Popular

Hull's Comp X 21g fibre-wad is a go-to option for a reason. Known for its light recoil and clean-burning powder, it's an ideal pick for newcomers, coaching days, and anyone putting in high-volume practice. It performs surprisingly well on Sporting stands, even at longer distances when paired with the right choke.

Most UK gunrooms keep Comp X in stock, and prices tend to stay competitive, often in the £75–80 per slab range. For the performance you get, that's hard to beat. They’re particularly great for warming up or casual shooting when you want comfort and consistency over sheer stopping power.

2. Gamebore Evo 24g – Solid Midweight Value

The Gamebore Evo 24g fibre-wad offers a little more punch than the Comp X while keeping recoil tame. These are especially popular at clubs and shooting schools, where shooters want something that performs well across different stands but doesn't wear them out.

Expect to pay around £85–90 per 250, depending on location. The 24g load strikes a nice balance, especially for shooters who want to step up from a 21g without going full 28g. It’s often praised for its solid pattern and consistent ignition.

3. Eley Select 28g – Underrated Value, Smooth Performer

Eley Select 28g fibre-wad cartridges used to carry a slightly higher price tag, but in 2025 they’ve become one of the best-kept value secrets. With many gunrooms pricing them around £73–78 per slab, they now compete directly with Comp X on affordability, despite offering a full 28g load.

Shooters often praise the Selects for their smooth recoil, consistent ignition, and tight patterns. If you prefer the feel of a heavier cartridge or want reliable breaks at longer distances without spending extra, Eley Select is well worth considering.

Which Is Best Value for You?

• If you're new to shooting or on a budget: Hull Comp X 21g keeps things affordable and comfortable.

• If you want a little extra punch but still care about price: Gamebore Evo 24g offers solid performance.

• If you prefer a full 28g load without the premium price: Eley Select 28g delivers smooth, consistent results at a surprisingly competitive price.

Where to Find the Best Deals

Cartridge prices can vary based on location and availability. That’s why we created this tool, to help shooters find fair, local pricing and discover gunrooms they might not have visited before. Whether you're looking for the best deal or supporting your nearest shop, even small savings add up over time, especially for regular shooters.

Final Thoughts

The best value clay cartridge isn’t just the cheapest, it’s the one that fits your gun, your shoulder, and your budget. All three of the options above have been tested and trusted by UK shooters. Start with what fits your goals and go from there. A little research can go a long way when it comes to performance and savings.