New to 12 gauge

Steel shot is NOT the way to go, especially for trap. What you want to look for is #8 lead shot (that's what I prefer). This will run about $30 per bag.

philip: Steel is for hunting around water sources (lakes, ponds, streams) where the lead could contaminate the water (supposedly). It's for use in hunting waterfowl, not blasting clays. Lead is superior for that, as it is heavier and retains velocity better in a given shot size. And lead shot is about $30-45 per 25lb bag most places. I have no idea where you are getting $10 per pound for lead. If it were, a box of 25 shells would cost $20 instead of $5-6. Scrap lead is even cheaper ($0.40/lb or better) if you buy it off tire places and smelt it yourself. Of course, without a shotmaker, scrap lead is only good for casting buckshot and slugs.

Depending on what hull and wad combination you are using try for a 1oz 1200fps load.
I am using Red Dot powder, Claybuster 1oz wads, Rem STS hulls. Win 209 primers and #8 shot for what I feel is a nice shooting load. Follow the recipe for the components you are using and lots of luck with the LEE loader.

I like a Imp. Mod or a full choke for trap, depending upon how I'm shooting.

Philip
Shot shell reloading is more component specific than is pistol or rifle, although you should be careful exchanging components with pistol and rifle too. Shot shell data is hull specific, what would work for a Win AA hull will not work for a Federal hull. Some hulls are tapered on the insides like the AA and some are straight like the Federal. I would get one type hull and set up loading for that particular hull, stay with that data for that hull. When you get proficent with that hull and data, then and only then move on to a different hull and data. As far as the chronograph, you need not try to get your speed to match the data, if recipe #1 give you 1185 fps rather than 1200 fps, do not add a grain or two trying to get the 1200 fps, if you have to have 1200 fps get another set of data. You'll never be able to tell the difference between 1185 and 1200!

Jimmy K

Ok, I do have a chrono so ill go for 1200fps, im shooting a rem 870 with modified choke. I am kinda partial to hogdon powder so I wanted to try their universal.

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Phillip,

If you are wanting to load 1 oz @ 1200 fps in 12 gauge, Universal is a very poor choice, especially in cold weather... Not sure I have even seen data for it? If pressure results are provided, I like to use no loads that go below 9000 LUP's/psi, especially again in cold weather. If you want to stick with Hodgdon, plain "Clays" would be my pick (what I use) with a nice firm crimp. I also like 700x, and Red Dot for 1 oz in 12 gauge, but 95% of what I load is 1 1/8 oz which allows more propellant options depending on speed desired.

For top performance and appearance, yes the proper wad is very important and I think beginners are best served with "compression type" hulls, like older AA, and the STS variety for ease of loading and easy to get components (wads). Lastly, I only use "Magnum" or "Competition" grade lead shot because in my experience it delivers better/more uniform patterns and is what is used in top quality factory target loads.

Sounds like youi're buying a Lee LoadAll? If so,be aware...once the hoppers are full,you have to empty them to change shot or powder bushings.I have one,and they can put out some real nice ammo,but I"d much prefer a Mec Jr. for ease of 'adjusting' loads.
My powder bushings run 'light'..safety factor built in?...IF the chart says bushing X will give me 20 grains,it's more like 18 1/2.So don't load the hoppers full until you check out what it's actually giving you..load just the powder hopper and get the charge right.
Jim Kirk has given very good advice,especially the part about sticking with one hull,one wad.
Lead shot is much closer to a buck fifty a pound than ten bucks...thankfully.