Reloading - 8's v 7 1/2's

[eapples]

All: I'm still on the front end of the learning curve for shotshell reloading. I've been reloading 1 1/8 ozs of 7 1/2 on 16.2 grains of Clays. I chose that recipe after test firing several recipes using the Hodgdon's manual. I've since moved to 1 oz loads on 16.2 grains of Clays, again after test firing several recipes using the Hodgdon's manual. A gun club buddy of mine suggested 1 1/8 ozs of 8's using the same powder charge that I'm using now.

From what I've been reading on the net, 8's are ok at 16 yards on a relatively calm day, and 7 1/2's are better on a relatively windy day at 16 yards, or for handicap. (I'm at 20 yards.)

Before I invest in buying #8 shot and in buying different wads, what do you guys/gals say? Thanks for your input.

 

[ArmedBear]

I'd stick with 7 1/2 for what you're loading.

I don't use 8's for 1 1/8 oz. loads. The reason I use 8's is for 1 oz. or even 7/8 oz. loads meant to be shot at 16 yards, so I can get more pellets in an ounce. Load a smaller amount of 8 to a hair over 1100 fps, and I get an inexpensive, low-recoil load. Works fine at closer ranges. Others even go with 8 1/2 (if they can find it).

All of that said, I haven't seen shot size make that much difference on clays. Birds and rabbits, yes.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome aboard.

First, it's often the case that a given barrel and choke will do better with one shot size than the other here. A bit of patterning will give you a better idea of choosing the best.

After messing with 8.5s, 8s and 7.5s, I settled on the latter for most of my shooting.

You can vary the shot size depending on conditions. However, International Trap folks have hard fast targets to hit and they dote on fast loads of 7.5s. The rules limit the shot weight to just under 7/8 oz.

Here's my pet load, right from the Hodgdon database.

STS hull.

Win 209.

WAA12 SL wad or its Claybuster clone. The clone leaves a little more plastic.

17.3 gr Clays.

7/8 oz of HARD 7.5s.

This is an efficient, hard hitting load that loses few pellets on the way to the kill zone. Do try a few.....