Your slingshot is only as good as the ammo you are shooting from it. If you decide to sling a rough-sided, oblong rock, you are never going to hit your target. You’ll end up with a bunch of inconsistent shots, safety concerns, and run the risk of ruining your slingshot. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen incorrect projectiles end up way off their targets or even sideways or backwards. Your slingshot was meant to shoot round steel balls. Use it right with the correct ammo and you will have the enjoyment of thousands of accurate shots.
The Best Slingshot Ammo
There are a few main options when it comes to ammo choices. Only two of which I consider acceptable.
1. Steel – This is by far the most common choice when it comes to ammo. Steel provides weight and therefore stopping power for hunting. There is also consistency in steel ammo leading to accuracy when you need it most.
The downside of steel ammo is the cost and fact that you end up with little steel balls all over your yard. Not good for you, any children, animals, or the yard.
From a cost standpoint, nothing relating to slingshots will break the bank, so you aren’t going to spend more than a cheeseburger’s worth on a bunch of steel ammo, but it is still more expensive than the other options. I recommend keeping steel ammo for hunting and using hard clay balls for practice. If you are interested in hunting with your slingshot, I recommend reading our full slingshot hunting guide.
Here is a great option for steel slingshot ammo: Daisy Steel Slingshot Ammo
or in bulk: The Pocket Shot 1/4 inch Slingshot Ammo 1000 Count
2. Hard Clay – Clay is the best thing to come to slingshot enthusiasts. Its cheap, biodegradable, and it explodes on impact. What’s not to love!?!
Clay slingshot ammo is ideal for practice and everyday shooting. The clay creates a (mostly) consistent projectile for practice without ending up with the cost or mess of steel. If you are using a metal or hard target, the clay will disintegrate on impact making a really need experience. In addition, the clay dissolves in water so after a good rain the clay starts to disappear into your yard. Good for you and good for the earth.
The downsides of clay are minimal. Because they are clay, there is a risk of some inconsistencies; maybe a flat spot here or there. Second, it isn’t good for hunting. Steel is still your best bet for a hunting trip.
Altogether, you should stock up on clay ammo, shoot as much as you want, and keep some steel ammo available for hunting.
Here is a great option for well-reviewed bulk clay ammo for a good price: LuckIn Slingshot Ammo Ball
Unacceptable ammo
Clay and steel are so much better choices than any of these that it disappoints me that I even have to waste words talking about such inferior ammunition. But, the goal is to be comprehensive, so here it goes…
You should avoid plastic, glass, lead, or natural projectiles. Plastic doesn’t have the weight to be effective for hunting, is pointless for practice, and leaves a plastic mess wherever you shoot. Glass (marbles) has the same cleanup problem as plastic, but will shatter on a hard surface which creates unnecessary risk when clay is available. Lead is and will always be inferior to steel. Especially shooting around water, steel is the best choice. There are good reasons why hunters are not allowed to use lead shotgun ammo for waterfowl and are required to use steel ammo. Natural projectiles (rocks, sticks, etc.) are not meant to be shot out of a slingshot. The shots are inaccurate, inconsistent, and potentially dangerous for you and bystanders.
Safety Glasses
No matter what ammo you choose it’s best to be safe. You are slinging a small projectile at high speeds from close to your face. If that doesn’t scare you just a little, then you clearly have not been around slingshots enough to know the dangers of a snapped band to the eye or a ricocheted steel ball. Bodily injury or even blindness are always possibilities. Invest is a simple and inexpensive pair of safety glasses and enjoy shooting. I use this pair of safety glasses and have never had a bad thing to say about them.
Enjoy and be safe slinging clay and steel!