Despite the current uncertainly around the time frame of a potential UK lead ban, it is wise for the hunting and shooting industry to move towards sustainable practices, Shooting Star, a leading UK distributor, is at the forefront with a portfolio of innovative and environmentally friendly ammunition solutions. Owner Nick Levett-Scrivener explains how the company’s offerings from brands like BioAmmo, Jocker, RC, Trust and Victory are shaping the future of shooting.
Since its founding in the late 1980s by Nick Levett-Scrivener, Shooting Star has been a key distributor in the UK’s hunting and shooting market. Focused on serving shooting grounds and the retail trade, the company has established itself as a reliable supplier of top-tier products. Today, Shooting Star is proud to distribute renowned brands such as RC, Jocker, Trust, BioAmmo and Victory.
Navigating the shift towards lead-free ammunition
In early 2020, the shooting industry faced a significant shift when major organisations announced their intention to transition away from lead-based ammunition within five years. This sudden move caused considerable concern within the trade. “The announcement caused tremendous turmoil and upset in the trade and also jumped the gun a bit as research was already going on to create non-lead cartridges,” recalls Nick.
As a distributor, Shooting Star has worked closely with its partner brands to navigate this transition. RC and Trust, two prominent names in the industry, are exploring various alternatives to lead, though with the pressure of an imminent ban seemingly easing, they can now carefully evaluate the best options. This thoughtful approach ensures that the alternatives introduced will meet both environmental standards and the high-performance expectations of shooters.
BioAmmo: pioneering biodegradable ammunition
Among the most exciting developments in Shooting Star’s portfolio is BioAmmo, a brand that has revolutionised the market with its biodegradable cartridges. “BioAmmo is the only company making a fully degradable case and wad,” explains Nick. This innovative solution allows shooters to continue using traditional lead cartridges, steel cartridges and the new BLUE shot cartridges, all within an environmentally friendly framework.
BioAmmo’s BLUE shot is an alloy composed of bismuth, tin, aluminium and zinc. It offers a similar weight to lead, combined with the softness preferred by many shooters, making it a superior alternative to both lead and steel. Available in a variety of calibres, BioAmmo’s products have quickly gained traction among environmentally conscious shooters.
Jocker: innovating with biodegradable wads
Shooting Star’s long-standing relationship with Jocker, a small but innovative French company, has brought another eco-friendly solution to the UK market. Jocker’s fully biodegradable wads, made from cardboard, provide a significant improvement over traditional plastic wads. “When the cartridge is fired, the compression wad expands to the dimension of the barrel, giving an excellent seal and improving shooting characteristics,” Nick explains.
Currently available in calibres 12 and 20, with more options on the way, Jocker’s biodegradable wads return to the soil without causing pollution, making them an environmentally friendly choice for modern shooters. Additionally, Jocker’s Tribloc subsidiary produces wads made from a cardboard and cork sandwich, with future versions incorporating wool. These innovations ensure that shooters have access to high-performance, plastic-free wads across a range of calibres.
Victory: a trusted name returns
Last year, Shooting Star reintroduced Victory cartridges to the UK market, much to the delight of retailers and shooters. With popular lines such as White Rabbit, Starlight and Europa, Victory cartridges have quickly regained their place as favourites among the shooting community. “If there are any special requirements from Victory, we are always ready to assist,” says Nick, highlighting the company’s commitment to meeting the specific needs of its customers.
Personalised service from a family-run business
Shooting Star’s success is rooted not only in its high-quality product offerings but also in its commitment to personalised service. As a family-run business, Nick, Rosanne and Alex Levett-Scrivener, along with their new sales manager, George Leeks, are dedicated to building strong relationships with their customers. “We are very personal in our approach,” says Levett-Scrivener. “George is now getting around the trade to introduce himself and promote the Shooting Star products.”
Shooting Star is more than just a distributor; it is a key player in the UK’s transition towards sustainable shooting practices. By offering a range of innovative and environmentally friendly products, the company is helping to shape the future of the industry. Whether it’s biodegradable cartridges from BioAmmo, innovative wads from Jocker, or the trusted quality of Victory, Shooting Star ensures that retailers have access to the best products available.
Contact information
Address: Wood Farm, Green Road, Sibton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 2ND
Phone: 01728 660 372
Email: nick@shootingstarcc.co.uk
Nick Levett-Scrivener: 07860 765 876
Rosanne Levett-Scrivener: 07789 724 707
Alex Levett-Scrivener: 07786 984 984
George Leeks: 07464 848 476
You can read the full September 2024 issue below:
