target load recommendations for a tyro

Chris17404

New member
Hi guys,

I'm planning on buying some ammo in the near future and going out to the range and shooting my new 870P for the first time. I've been researching some of the light target loads and found a few. I'd like to hear your opinions on them and if you'd recommend one over the other and why. Other target load suggestions are also very welcome. Here's what I've found so far:

Federal T114 Gold Medal Extra-Lite Plastic 12 Ga. Shotshells (F-T114)
12 gauge, Plastic Shell, Length: 2 3/4", Powder: Extra-Lite, Shot: 1 1/8 oz.

Remington STS12LR Premier STS Low Recoil 12 Ga. Shotshells (R-STS12LR)
12 gauge, Shell Type: Premier STS Low Recoil, Length: 2 3/4", Powder: 2 1/2 drams, Shot: 1 1/8 oz.

Winchester AA Xtra-Lite 12 Ga. Shotshells (W-AAL12)
12 gauge, Shell Type: Xtra-Lite, Length: 2 3/4", Powder: 2 3/4 drams, Shot: 1 oz.

Winchester AA Low Recoil/Low Noise 12 Ga. Shotshells (W-AA12FL)
12 gauge, Shell Type: Low Recoil/Low Noise, Length: 2 3/4", Powder: 2 1/2 drams, Shot: 26 gm.

Also... the website www.gamaliel.com has each of there for between $5.20 - $5.40 per box of 25 (minimum purchase of 10 boxes). Is that a good price?

Or... how about the lower-priced Federal "Top Gun" or Remington "Gun Club" loads? Are they any good?

Any other suggestions? Thanks for your help!

Chris
 
The 1 oz Gun Club loads are what I use when I've not time to roll my own. Effective and light kick.

Both the Winchester laods are good, haven't used the others.

As said above, the Walmart Valu packs will do the job and save a little.
 
Buy Remington STS if you intend to reload. Otherwise the Wally World value packs are the way to go. If you are not going to keep the hulls don't pay a premium for them.
 
Thanks for the information, everyone. I'm new to shotgunning, and definitely not a reloader, so I think I'll take your suggestions and try Wal-Mart.

Chris
 
I would go with either the Remington or Winchester value packs. I don't really care for the Federal ones with my 870. I have had several of them seemingly get stuck to the point where an excessive amount of force is needed to cycle the action. It is almost as if the brass portion of the hull expands and lodges itself in the chamber. Just my experience. They all cost the same.
 
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