Opinions on low end shotgun target loads

Ask your shotguns, not us.

I've used all of those save Rio. They work, but patterns may need adjustment by changing chokes or shot size.

In your shoes, I'd try a box of two of each and see what your shotgun likes...

I've used RIO and Estate. I still use the RIO. It burns clean (not as clean as Winchester) and hits hard. The Estate wouldn't cycle in the benelli I no longer own.

I love Estate target loads.

LD

How cheap is Estate? My guns all LOVE Federal 2 3/4" 3 Dram 1-1/8oz #7-1/2 or #8 shot for Skeet, Trap, & 5 stand. $20/100 at Wally world.

DBR,

I've shot all of those shells in various guns and find all of them to be acceptable. I probably like the Estates best of that group although Fiocchi makes some good (expensive) target loads.

Estates seem to be pretty good. Lately I've been burning up the cheep Federals from wally world.

That being said, my gun patterns best with 1oz AAs and STSs; followed by Ferderals. The cheap Winchesters shoot ok, but they stick in the chamber of my 870 and are too aggravating to use. Conversely, Remington Gun Clubs don't patten well in my gun so I seldom use them.

The best advice I can give is to pattern several different loads and makes and see what works best in your gun.

Have used them all in 12 and 20 gauge, along with the low-end Federal's....all work just fine, especially for informal shooting - most targets are close that a slight pattern difference shouldn't amount to much

Buy what's cheap. If you are shooting an auto it might make a difference on which brand your gun will cycle.

Most of the Rio loads I've seen use the same 6% antimony content shot(read, target grade hard shot) as Win AA or Rem STS loads. My 16 gauge 870 doesn't seem to care for them, haven't tried any in 12 or 20.

The cheap promotional loads generally only have 3% antimony content and don't pattern quite as well. Every gun is different though, so experiment with a few at the patterning board to see what your gun prefers.

Game Shok

The federals do smell nice.

They all work fine. Never been able to blame a miss on them.

Federals are dirty, but no more so than my budget practice handloads.

Remington Sport Loads are a lot cleaner. Hulls are eminently reloadable. They shoot really well for me.

I do think my STS shot handloads pattern a bit better, and I tailor the velocity/payload/recoil for different distances. But the budget target loads really are fine IMO.

The 100 pack federals at Wally world work for me. I do not find them overly dirty, but I clean the Shot gun after ever trip with a bore snake.