What size shot??

H

HangFire83

New member
What size shot do you use for trap/skeet. I haven't shot at clay since I was a good little boy scout earning my shot gun merrit badge. (Seems like ages ago). I have a ton of shells that I use for grouse and phesant, will that work?
 
Skeet's most often shot with 9s, but 8s will work. Trapshooters use up lots of oxygen debating the merits of 7 1/2 shot versus 8s for 16 yard shooting. Everyone uses 7 1/2s for long handicap.

The loads you have may work, but oft the pellets are too big for the range and often the loads are heavier than needed. The heaviest load I'd use would be a 1 1/8 oz load, and my reloaders are set up for 7/8 oz.

For starting out,I recommend the lightest loads you can find, especially if you're using a field gun. These run lighter than clays guns,and kick is exacerbated.

If you can find 1 oz Value packs at your local chain store, they give a lot of performance for the money. Mostly though, they're 1 1/8 oz and a tough heavy for high volume shooting.

Have fun, be safe, and enjoy....
 
Thanks for the info. I'll have to double check but I think the loads I have in my shooting vest are 6's. Looks like I have a trip to Wally world in my near future. Thanks again.
 
Often the range will have limitations - shot larger than 7 1/2 will have too great a range and create safety problems ,even 7 1/2 field loads can.
 
Lots of guys in my area have gone to 1 oz. of 7-1/2's (me included).

Some even use 7/8 oz. of 7-1/2's. (shoulder savers)

Ranges in my area won't allow any load larger than 1-1/8 oz. of 7-1/2's.

Federal/Win/Fiocci all box up the shoulder saver loads.

hope this helps.
 
I am pretty much like all the other posters in my selection with some subtle differences. I only use #9 shot in my .410 skeet gun and use #8 for everything else (trap, skeet and SC). About the only time I use #7 1/2 is for handicap trap stations past the 20 yard line and then I go with 1 1/8 oz too. Otherwise I will load 7/8 oz to 1 oz loads for general shooting purposes. None of the clubs I belong to will allow anything bigger than #7 1/2 size.
 
Here down under not that should make any difference, at both target clubs I attend,

9's are used for skeet

71/2's are used for Sporting Clays.

Both target clubs only allow a minimum of 28 grams (1 ounce in US units).

On the subject of ammunition how much are you guys spending on a case of shells (500) for those of you who don't reload yourselves. Here on average the price is around $125 AU, which is around $92 US :mad: according to the current x-rate. I am expecting it to be a lot cheaper over there since you can buy ammuinition at your local convience store.

Steve

Beretta SPII
Miroku 9000
 
TopGun,

The last time I cleaned out the local walmart ( last weekend ) 20ga 7/8oz of 71/2 cost me $3.27 per 25, that's $65.40 per 500. I try to stock up this of the year because they sometimes are out of stock on these loads over the summer months.
 
Many of the trap/skeet places around here are acreage-challenged and they prefer #8's as the largest size. I used to carry 7.5's & 8's and got tired of sorting the loose ones. I just carry 8's now. I have some "high-velocity" 8's that are black and easy to spot in the bag for when I need to reach out a little bit.
It was just easier for me to do it this way. As far as I know, I've never had a clay not break due to too small shot.
Mike
 
Old Man Needs Some Advise Smooth Bore Gun

Sabot Slugs vs Rifled Slugs in a New Mossberg 590 ?
I am confused . I have always used a 1100 with Sabots in 3 Gun events.
Need advise on the 590

Thanks for the help:
 
I use anything from 7.5 to 9 -- depending what is on sale. I beleive that there is an ATA rule limiting the size of shot to nothing bigget than 7.5. Not that ATA rules are strictly adhered to, but they kind of set a standard. I have shot trap with folks using 4's and 5's in hunting loads when there was no concern as to how far they would travel. Also, whatch that dram equivelent rating too. Unless heavy recoil does not bother you, make sure you do not set yourself up with box of super handicap in a field gun. it would make for a very long squad.
 
For skeet, 1oz, 9's. Nothing else is needed.
For trap, usually 8's, again 1 oz. loads. Both 12 gauge.

Sporting Clays, I carry 8's and 9's, but shoot mostly 8's.

I shot SC's with Andy Duffy once and he shot with Mod. choke and used 7 1/2's to 9's depending on the distance......................ck
 
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