[seeds76]

What shotshell should I buy for playing American Trap? I just started and saw a 100 pack deal at Walmart for 12ga, 7 1/2 shot. Is this what I should be using?

Thanks

[hawk45]

I just started also.. fun isn't it! Everyone I shoot with uses 12ga in either 7 1/2 or 8. 8 you get more pellets but smaller.. 7 1/2 you have bigger pellets so will usually break the clay and not just put holes in it, which has happend with 8's. But for now.. I get what is on sale. 7 1/2 seems to go first so I would say use that if you can get your hands on it.. but I just bought 2 cases of 8 b/c all they had left on sale.

[ArmedBear]

Closer than 25 yards, not a dime's worth of difference. 25+, the 7.5 is a little better, but 8 still works fine.

I think Wally World's Remington Sport Load packs are the best ammo, followed by the Federals (dirtier). Either one will work fine.

The Winchester Universals are known for jamming 870s. I wouldn't buy those shells, regardless. Other Winchesters are fine, but the bulk packs are subpar.

[hawk45]

If you have a Dick's Sporting Goods nearby, they have Remington Sport/Target on sale for $5.98 a box if you buy a case. There is also a $10 mail in rebate per case... and then if you really are into saving your pennies.. you can fill out the survay on the bottom of the receipt and get a $10 off coupon. I take that coupon back for another case and do it all over again.

[Virginian]

How serious are you? No question the more expensive target loads are more consistent and pattern better. Not much, but enough that all the serious competetive shooters use genuine target loads.
I shoot the cheapest thing WalMart has on sale at clay pigeons, and so far they have also been entirely adequate for doves. I have to save money for my $4 a shot duck loads ! (actually I avoided that fiasco this past season - I was abot to take the plunge and got quite lucky. Only $2.75 a shot, delivered.)
Oh, by the way, my older 1100s and Wingmaster digest all of them without the slightest whimper. Picking up empties, a lot of the silver Winchester heads are ripped, but they did eject.

[rodell]

If you are serious, it is best you stick with something. There are velocity and pattern differences between the loads. It doesn't have to be expensive.

I use #8 at all distances. In checking the pattern at the pattern board, I get more consistent fill-in with #8.

Bob

[sbarkowski]

I've had problems with the Winchester value packs in both my 870 pump and SX3 semi-auto. Started using Winchester AA's and havnt had a problem. Not really that much more expensive either if you buy them by the case. They're reliable and consistent.

[seeds76]

Thanks for all your suggestions... Well, I found some cheap Walmart Winchester universal value pack in 7 1/2. I didn't have any issues my first time out and I got 17/25! I think that's good for a first time American trap round, right? I guess I'll stick with the Winchester. =)

[kb2zya]

wow 17 i had a 6/25 first time trap shotting.last week i got a 12.i use the fed walmart pack $23 for 4 boxs of 25.dirty but it go's boom.this week i have to work soo no trap shooting this week for me.what gun do you use? i rock out with my mossy 500 form walmart $207.:neener:

[seeds76]

wow 17 i had a 6/25 first time trap shotting.last week i got a 12.i use the fed walmart pack $23 for 4 boxs of 25.dirty but it go's boom.this week i have to work soo no trap shooting this week for me.what gun do you use? i rock out with my mossy 500 form walmart $207.

Thanks. I had a great time shooting clays for the 1st time. I just wish I brought more than a box that day. Must have been beginner's luck or something. :)

I bought a cheap Remington 310 Spartan O/U for around $390. It's not the prettiest O/U shotgun but it was the most inexpensive O/U I can find around, and heck, 17/25 for the 1st time... I think it'll do just fine to get me started :) It was a bit stiff but I'm sure I just have to break it in.

Good luck to you and your mossy!

[_DMC]

If you're tossing the empties, just about anything will do. If you get serious about Trap and decide to reload, then buy Remingtons.

DC