ADVICE ON AMMO FOR SKEET SHOOTING

[Sonny]

hey guys just getting in to skeet and trap shooting and would like to know what is the best recomended load for a 12 Gauge shotgun.

 

thanks.

[MacGyver]

7.5 or 8 light target loads

[Raoul]

7.5 or 8 light target loads

 

Agreed, unless you're using a Remmy 1100 magnum. Then you'll need something with more punch to cycle it.

With my O/U I always use a 7.5 field load.

[Westwindmike]

Winchester AA's or Remington Gun Club.

[monkeylizard]

I use the 7.5 field load bulk stuff from Wal-Mart in the 100-rd boxes. I can't tell a difference between the Federal and the Winchester. Both go bang and break clays. I've also used the AA's that Westwindmike mentioned. They worked fine too. I suppose if I was a better clay shooter I might notice the subtle differences, but as a casual hobby whatever's on sale does the trick.

Edited August 23, 2013 by monkeylizard

[seawash]

MEC 9000

Seriously, "roll your own" if you are going to shoot trap and skeet. 

[Randall53]

I buy the Rio's, Winchester, or whatever is cheapest 20 ga. 7.5 or 8's at Academy.  I get a case at a time. I have several cases because my wife and I both shoot 20 ga.  I've still got a couple left from last summer.  I believe they came out to about 4.98 a box when I bought these.  I don't know what they are now.  But I've never not had fun while shooting the cheap stuff.  I thought about reloading, but as long as I can buy a box for under $6 or so, I'll just buy them.

[Sonny]

thank you guys very much. Very good input as always here on TGO.

[Worriedman]

If you get the bug, load your own. 7/8 oz will break targets just as well as 1 1/8 store bought.

[chances R]

skeet and trap have different requirements.  While both can be shot with 7 1/2  shot or smaller, some skeet fields require #9 shot, which works just fine and preferred by many. No need for heavy loads.  Skeet can also be shot with any gauge, hence smaller shot will give better pattern density.

 

Trap on the other hand is a 12ga game.  Not that you can't use others, but serious trap is a 12 game.  Generally 7 1/2 or 8 is a personal choice until you start backing up beyond the 20 yd. line, then the nod goes to the 7.1/2. 

[Fourtyfive]

Use standard Dove loads , generally 9's and hopefully easy to find and on sale now.

[RichardR]

If you get the bug, load your own. 7/8 oz will break targets just as well as 1 1/8 store bought.

This.

I've been reloading shotshells for three decades, tweeking various trap, skeet & assorted hunting rounds, however I do not reload defensive rounds due to potential litagation iffin I ever needed to defend my home.

Anyway the 7/8 oz loads will preform just as well as the heavier 1 oz + loads if you do your part, but will save you a bunch of money in the long-term because of the volume of rounds you'll be shooting iffin you get serious about shotgun sport shooting, (well except turkey shoots where you would want to use a much heavier load).

Anyway for trap & skeet I've had great results from 18 grains of Alliant Promo + Remington STS or Gun Club hulls + WAA12L wad + 7/8 oz of #8 shot.

You don't need an expensive progressive reloading press either, I've always used an el'cheapo ($50.00) Lee Load All granted they ain't fancy or quick, but they are cheap & they work great.