Ecoshot Ltd, based in Northamptonshire, has secured a patent for its innovative Bullet Type Projectile (BTP) design, which aims to revolutionise shotgun cartridges by enhancing both environmental sustainability and ballistic performance.
Unlike traditional spherical shot, the BTP is shaped more like a rifle bullet and is made from steel, addressing the environmental concerns associated with lead ammunition. The new design is said to provide superior aerodynamics, delivering enhanced energy to the target while reducing the radial pressure on barrel walls. This alignment technique also promises increased efficiency and durability for shotgun barrels.
Chris Manning, CEO of Ecoshot, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “Securing the patent is an important step in bringing BTP to the market. It means we’re safeguarding investors and allowing accelerated development to provide a superior and environmentally sustainable alternative to lead ammunition.”
The design has undergone early evaluation by Hephaestus Consulting, a ballistics specialist firm. Their assessment concluded that there is a sound technical foundation for the concept, noting that the BTP could offer ballistic advantages over traditional spherical shot.
Ecoshot Ltd is currently seeking additional investment to bring the BTP to market. The company believes that lessons from rifle shooting, combined with steel’s environmental compatibility, will help meet growing regulatory and sustainability demands. This aligns with a 2020 joint statement by nine shooting organisations, including the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), which called for an end to lead and single-use plastics in shotgun ammunition by 2025 to promote sustainable hunting practices.
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