[TomV]

Recently purchased my first Shotgun -- a Remington 870. I plan on taking a Defense type class in a couple of months. Been looking at "Practice" type ammo. Local shop had Remington "Gun Club Target Loads" (2 3/4", 7 1/2 shot $48/250 case) and Fiocchi "Trap Loads" and "Target Loads" ($40/250 case). Any recommendations? Thanks

[HSMITH]

Both loads you mention work well for the money. The Gun club hull is nearly indestructible when reloading, I have taken them well past 15 loads and still get a good crimp. The Fiocchi is a good shell, maybe a little better than the Rem load. Neither are in the league of AA or STS loads, but are quite serviceable for practice. I would try to get a 1oz load and save on the recoil if possible though. The Gun Club and the Trap Fiocchi are both pretty stout in the recoil department for practice with a pump gun.

[Ricky B]

You don't indicate what the dram equivalent loading is. Presumably 3 dr. eq. each. If one is 2-3/4 and the other is 3, I'd go with the lower dr. eq. for the lower recoil. If they are equal, then cheaper is better.

As you may know, velocity of shot drops off quickly with distance. So at trap shooting distances (35 to 40 yds.), there is little difference.

At HD distances (0 to 12 feet), there is a more significant difference in velocity, but at those distances, the differences between shotshells in their effect on the human body is, for the most part, inconsequential.

--Rick

[Dave McCracken]

Congrats on your purchase.For beginners,using the lightest, slowest load you can find is strongly recommended. Once form and fit are finalized, then a rookie can progress to heavier stuff, if he/she wishes.