Introducing the new Thimbleby 20-gauge cartridges!
Regular customers to our shooting ground and clubhouse will know that we have a range of Thimbleby ‘house’ cartridges, created for us by Gamebore. The aim was to give people access to an affordable cartridge that also delivers top notch pattern quality and smooth recoil. The feedback has been excellent since we unveiled first the 24/7 cartridge and then the 28/8, so we decided it was high time to expand our range to 20-gauge ammunition. We know there are plenty of people who enjoy shooting a 20 gauge, so we asked Gamebore to help us create two loads, one aimed at general clay practice and simulated game days, and another with the power for the moor, hide or field shoots. Let’s take a closer look at them both.
The new Thimbleby house load 19/8 cartridges
First up we’re unveiling our 19/8 cartridge, a 20-gauge load with 19 grams of number 8 shot (2.2mm) in a 65mm case. This ammo has been designed for general clay practice, simulated days and lessons, and we’re over the moon with the job the team at Gamebore has done for us.
While you might think 19 grams is too light a payload for a 20-gauge, this cartridge offers a pellet count equivalent to a 21-gram 7.5 shot, an effective and popular choice across many brands. The powder charge also matches that of a 21-gram load, giving this cartridge high velocity and the ability to not just hit, but dust those long-range targets with ease. We’ve tested these cartridges on the challenging ‘Ozzy bird’ at Stand 13, which some of you will know (and possibly hate), and they performed brilliantly and consistently, shattering the target every time.
In addition to great performance, the reduced lead weight of 19 grams offers cost savings, making these cartridges the most affordable 20-gauge loads available here at Thimbleby. We’ve priced them at £320 per 1000, which is excellent value for money. If you love shooting a 20 gauge for a simulated game day, you’ll be pleased to hear they will be available for our simulated game days later this month onwards. If you’ve attended one of these events before, you know that a reliable cartridge is essential for hitting those high-flying targets!
The new Thimbleby house load 26/6 cartridges
Next up is our 26/6 cartridge, which we’ve nicknamed the “Goldilocks” of 20-gauge loads! This 26-gram, number 6 shot (2.6mm) load in a 65mm case has been designed for more extreme clay shooting and days spent in the field, on the moor or in a hide with your 20-gauge shotgun. As many of you will know, the English 6 shot is the largest size allowed at most clay grounds and competition because it carries significant energy at longer ranges. That means this cartridge is also versatile enough for all game shooting disciplines, making it suitable for pigeons, pheasants, partridges and grouse.
The 26-gram payload is highly effective in a 20-bore. Sometimes, less really is more! In smaller bores, a taller stack of pellets can lead to deformation, which can affect pattern quality. We’re pleased to report that this carefully chosen weight produces tight, uniform patterns while maintaining good velocity and still delivering a comfortable recoil.
A key focus when the team were developing this load was maintaining the affordability offered by the rest of our house line. And, at just £380 for 1000, this is one of the most affordable game loads on the market. Whether you prefer sitting in a pigeon hide or taking to the field for a driven game day, you’ll find the 26/6 cartridge more than up to the task when you shoulder your 20-gauge shotgun.
If you would like to learn more about our new cartridges or any of the ammo in our house range, please feel free to email our gunroom manager Max Cope here or pop into the clubhouse for a chat with the team.