Shotgun Target Ammo

[Narragansett]

I am looking to get back into some trap shooting in the next few months. I have been looking around, and I do not even recognize the brands of ammo out there.

When I was shooting, it was Winchester AA superlite, and silver handicap loads. Remington green premier, Federal Gold medal, Federal paper. One could even find some Blue Magics around.

So my question is what is preferred in a 1 1/8 oz light load of 7 1/2's? Also what should I expect to pay if I buy say 10 cases at a time?

 

[toad67]

If you're just going to be shooting singles, from the 16 or so yard line, then 1 oz of shot is plenty. If you're going to be playing games, or shooting farther back, 1 1/8 oz helps a bit more. I haven't bought a box of shotgun shells for years, but I'd say the going rate is going to be around $10/box for 1 1/8 oz shells. Try Rogers sporting goods, IIRC, they're in Minnesota.

 

[dave1918a2]

Federal makes a pretty good target load. Most of the shooters up here prefer Fiocchi. Real good stuff if You can find it. I roll My own.

 

[Bald1]

Walmart is your friend. Trap loads in abundance and cheap.

 

[JRB416]

I don't shoot trap much anymore as my game is Sporting Clays. If you are not going to save hulls to reload or shoot competitively, I would not spend the extra money for AA, STS or equivalent shells.

For practice, Federal Top Gun or Remington Gun Club are pretty good shells. I buy either right now for $79.99 per flat.

IMO, it's more important to pattern your shotgun for POI and pattern dispersion/density with the shell of choice than worry too much about brand for casual shooting.

Along with the aforementioned brands, Fiocchi, B&P, Rio, and Estate are all good shells and if your gun patterns any of them well, from the 16 yard line you won't be able to tell much difference.

As toad67 mentioned, 1 oz loads from the 16 yard line is plenty.

Good luck and as they say...breaking clay makes my day!

 

[M29since14]

In my opinion, its never been possible to improve much on the standard Winchester AA trap load of 2-3/4 drams in whatever size shot you prefer - and it is still that way, from what I can tell.


If you shoot a lot of handicap targets and can handle the additional recoil, some of the faster loads might be another possibility. If you are a Federal paper diehard, I gather they are still being produced.


If you are looking for economy, better test whatever you intend to buy in large quantity before you buy. Most modern target loads are pretty darned good. Many of them are assembled in cases that are not the greatest choice for reloading. Some have a greater/lesser perceived recoil impulse. Try before you buy in quantity.


As a "recoil sissy," what I see in 12 gauge target loads is an encouraging trend by the manufacturers to offer lighter loads (7/8- and 1-ounce) that have significantly less recoil. Might consider them. I can't recall the last time I used many 1-1/8 ounce target loads. It's been years.

 

[Narragansett]

In my opinion, its never been possible to improve much on the standard Winchester AA trap load of 2-3/4 drams in whatever size shot you prefer - and it is still that way, from what I can tell.


If you shoot a lot of handicap targets and can handle the additional recoil, some of the faster loads might be another possibility. If you are a Federal paper diehard, I gather they are still being produced.


If you are looking for economy, better test whatever you intend to buy in large quantity before you buy. Most modern target loads are pretty darned good. Many of them are assembled in cases that are not the greatest choice for reloading. Some have a greater/lesser perceived recoil impulse. Try before you buy in quantity.


As a "recoil sissy," what I see in 12 gauge target loads is an encouraging trend by the manufacturers to offer lighter loads (7/8- and 1-ounce) that have significantly less recoil. Might consider them. I can't recall the last time I used many 1-1/8 ounce target loads. It's been years.

I do not shoot 1oz loads except for the first shot in trap doubles. I also use 7 1/2's almost exclusively.

 

[Nevada Ed]

For shooting close range Skeet,
I load 7/8oz #9's at 512 pellets for practice and #8's at 360 pellets for cold/windy days at 1145fps.

16 yard Trap starts with a 1 oz of #8's at 410 pellets at 1180fps, factory Dup. load or just 1145fps for warm, no wind days, if shooting a "Flat" for practice.

My standard practice Trap load at ALL stations is a 1 1/8 oz payload of
#7.5's at just 1145fps that patters well in my O/U and single tubes.

For the 27 yard Handicap, I will go to a 3 Dram 7.5 load at 1200fps,
if the day is very windy or below 45 degrees.

I use Bullseye to Unique for my low fps practice loads, that even the 12 year olds can enjoy, in my 12 Ga shotguns.

1145fps will break any clay with the correct pellet size & energy for the range it is struck at.

Even a little 410 shell with 7.5's will break a clay at 27 yards at the top,
at a distance of 49 yards, with the correct shot placement.

Have fun.