Lyalvale Express Ultimate Steel High Performance cartridges on test

All four leading UK cartridge companies have clearly been put in an invidious situation as a result of recent calls for change affecting two of the most critical cartridge components: shot material and wads. The call for a transition away from lead shot – to be replaced by a suitable non-lead alternative – was jointly made by nine country sports organisations. This announcement, it would appear, was made without adequate prior meaningful discussion with the companies affected. To compound matters, this was linked with the need to stop using plastic wads, which have been used in a vast range of cartridges, for a wide range of applications and in the full range of calibres, over many years. Lead shot and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic wads have become central to maximum performance in both game, field and clay target cartridges and hence an incredibly complex requirement for fundamental change has been created, and within an unrealistic time frame. (Read will my gun be safe with steel cartridges?) Cartridge companies are making Herculean efforts to meet these demands but, of course, they face considerable difficulties in meeting both requirements. No company has, for example, great knowledge on biopolymer material for wads, whether biodegradable or water-soluble. From experiences so far, the biopolymers currently used do not all possess the inherent mechanical strength, elasticity or ready ‘mould-ability’ that the long-chain polymers’ inherent characteristics of HDPE polymers rely upon for their tremendous strength. This is but a brief taster to help shooters understand the massive upheaval foisted upon cartridge companies. Please take these into account when wondering why both choice and supplies are restricted. Prices will also increase, because not only are the new materials very costly to produce, but not all will prove usable. Development costs will mount as suitable materials are sought: these then require new tooling to produce. Cartridge companies face a very testing time. Whether all will cope with the financial implications is something we must sincerely hope is manageable. With all this in mind, we review here the very latest steel shot game/wildfowl cartridge from Lyalvale Express (recently taken into the Fiocchi fold). Whether the current upheaval played a part in this acquisition by Fiocchi is unclear but would come as no surprise. An obvious advantage of being part of a very large company can be seen with the use of the Fiocchi Green Core biodegradable plastic wad whereas, in Lyalvale’s earlier 65mm 30g Ultimate Steel standard steel cartridge, the brown, biodegradable Earth Wad is used. Two other companies are currently using water-soluble wads; the jury would appear to be out as to which route is the best one to follow. Ultimate Steel HP The new high performance (HP) cartridge from Lyalvale Express shares its name with the standard steel option for use in non-steel proof tested and lighter-weight game guns. This HP cartridge permits a slightly higher velocity and the 76mm (3in) case allows for a 25% higher momentum at 15 Newton seconds (Ns) against 12Ns for 12-bore standard …Continue reading »

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