Does FPS matter for skeet? sporting clays?

[sbwaters]

Started shooting skeet with 1-1/8 oz commercial #9 shells at 1145 FPS. Now that I am reloading, I see recipes for 1090 FPS all the way to 1300 FPS.

I am dropping down to 1 ounce #9 because that should be easier on my shoulder. Should I reload for a particular velocity for skeet and standardize to get used to it for establishing proper leads?

Also, I’m going to try #7-1/2 shot for sporting clays. I understand they prefer higher velocities for the greater distance.

Just trying to learn.

Started with Green Dot. Then Red Dot. Then Clays. Then 700x.

 

[kudu]

It has been my experience anything from 1050-1350fps is only about 6" at the longest skeet shot. I run 7/8oz 12 gauge shells for skeet at about 1150, they throw a very dense even pattern and will work my 11-87 autoloader. Bump it up to the 1250-1350fps and the pattern starts to open up and have holes in it. It is a pain to run shot loads through a chronograph so I only do it on rare occasions.

Sporting on the other hand I like to stay in the sweet spot of about 1200fps with 1oz an 1 1/8oz loads. Sometimes it takes a bit more oomph to break the different presentations.

 

[243winxb]

I use 1200 fps for skeet loads in all 4 gauges. My thinking is , the lead is the same for all. For sporting clays #8 shot for me.

 

[rabid wombat]

Speed is lead. Find one you like, and be consistent.