what is the best 12 gauge shot gun round for shooting trap?

Answer 1

2 3/4 Dram Equivelent "Light Target Loads" are pretty much norm for singles, doubles, and short yardage handicap. Velocity is 1145 for 1 1/8 oz, 1180 for 1oz.

1 1/8oz for handicap, 1oz for 16 yard singles and both shots of doubles - you don't need more than that. For shot size, 8's are my choice for singles and caps, but 7 1/2's are good and I use them in the wind for handicap or during the winter. I use 9's for the first shot of doubles, and 8 1/2 for the second shot.

If you go back maybe 24-27 yards for handicap you may want to look at a 3 dram or handicap loads like Remington Nitro 27's or Federal Gold Medal handicap loads. These are rated at 1235fps.

For inexpensive stuff anything will do - 3dr "Wally world" value pack shells are fine...but they're usually 3dr eq, 1 1/8oz. I use any big three for singles (Winchester AA, Remington STS, Federal Gold Medal), Winchester AA's for doubles, and I find Federal Gold Medals best for handicap.

And finally, don't listen to "randkl" telling you to use "Super Sport, Sporting Clay" loads, for two reasons. A) you don't need them for trap, its all extra noise and recoil for nothing, and B) if you shoot registered you will be disqualified, because Sporting Clay loads exceed velocity limits and are illegal for trap per the ATA (and I believe the PITA) rule book.

Answer 2

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RE:
what is the best 12 gauge shot gun round for shooting trap?

Answer 3

I use Winchester 3 1/4 1 1/8 # 8...But i believe that load is the max. load and it really don't matter what brand..I usually shoot the cheapiest and really never notice any change other than the cleanliness.Trap shooting is usually longer shots than skeet or sporting clays.So if I were to go any heavier it would be 7 1/2's..So really dont worry over the brand.Just practice being consistant in mounting gun.and leads.Good luck

Answer 4

Getting the most individual lead pellets into the air as possible to make the best spread is what you want. You can hit a bird easier with a cloud of sand-sized particles than you can with a single rock, after all. Therefor, anything #7 1/2 or smaller is fine. Some folks prefer #8....some are even going to #9. The higher the number, the smaller the lead pellets, of course.

Me, I reload my own....but the closest thing to them is factory Winchester AA 1 1/8oz #7 1/2. I'd recommend Winchester AA Supersport Sporting Clays (1 1/8oz of #7 1/2 or #8).

Addendum to DT89Ace below:

Sorry, bud, but you're wrong. The max ATA velocity is 1290fps (or within 3% of that limit) with a 1 1/8oz load. That means a load at 1290-1300fps is pretty much the max allowed but won't be disqualified. Further, most ranges limit you to 3de loads for safety....and if I'm not mistaken, 3de is between 1250 and 1290fps.

The original poster isn't going to be shooting competition any time soon. He's going to be practicing. He's also not going to be shooting close in....less experienced shooters never can. They're stuck to shooting handicap until they learn the fundamentals. Light loads don't cut that.

The ONLY reason he should go light on his loads is if the recoil from a heavier load bothers him....and to be honest, I don't know many folks who choose 1250fps over 1290fps for the recoil reduction. The ONLY benefit he gains by going light is a faster followup shot in doubles, which he also won't be shooting anytime soon.

He comes out better as a shooter by focusing on ONE weapon and ONE generic, do everything load and practicing as much as he can with them rather than trying to switch between different loads and trying to master each. One weapon and one do everything load....and once he masters that, he can choose what he wants to use.

Answer 5

Probably, in your case, the cheapest, there is really not much to choose between makes, especially at entry level, which you obviously are or you would not be asking. More important is practice, practice and then, more practice. And even if you do not win any trophies, you will be a far better shot on live game.

Answer 6

it really depends on the gun and what action it has and whether or not you reload
I shoot 7/8oz loads out of my double barrel (silver pigeon v)
but they don't cycle in most semi-autos

Answer 7

I use these exclusively and have for years now. Winchester AA Trap loads (factory) or as an alternative I reload my own

Answer 8

Best choice is AA #8 shot.*

Answer 9

Probably the lightest loads you can find.

Answer 10

one that fits you