Trap loads vs Hunting loads

[djardine]

I am curious about the advantage of a trap load or sporting clays load over a regular hunting shell- lets say a AA Sporting clays load vs Wally World Federal special in the same velocity and oz load. What justifies the price difference? I am guessing that the AA has a better wad system or hardened lead for better shot pattern? Am I correct? I am curious because I used AA loads for dove this year and was VERY pleased with the results versus the Federal Game Shok hunting loads (which still produced good results). Thanks in advance!

 

[Armored farmer]

Good quality trap loads are way more pleasant to reload than the cheapos. I'm not sure if it is by design or not, but true nevertheless.
IMHE the AA's, REM STS, and other premium shells are made with premium components that produce more consistent patterns, softer recoil, consistant speed, and reloadability.
I bought 2 cases of cheap black 12ga targert loads once.....I thought they performed poorly at the trap range, reloaded terrible (like crushing rocks with my 'ol Mec), kicked hard,......and gave me a headache every time I shot them.
I rarely by new shotgun shells since I enjoy reloading them. When I do buy new shells, I always get AA's or STS's
I think you get what you pay for.

 

[rcmodel]

I agree.

The cheap Wallyworld stuff is just that.

Cheaper components, cheaper hulls, and cheaper powder.

As a consequence, you get more dirt, smoke & recoil, less good patterns, and sometimes less reliable functioning.

rc

 

[djardine]

Thanks for the replies! Your answers make sense.

 

[Liberty1776]

Actually, I contacted Federal on that same issue (except I used Federal Gold Medals for the high end comparison) Component quality is the difference. The WalMart stuff is unhardened shot, cheap (dirty) powder, non-compression wads, and not made to that close a velocity range. They are made to a price point. (but at least the primers are the same...)

 

[Dave McCracken]

Birds are best killed with hard, round shot launched in a premium wad at consistent and modest velocity. Target loads have been my choice for the last generation or so.

My last dove shoot was rather modest. I was by myself, shooting at doves as they moved from food to water and grit. Load of choice was AA 20 gauge target loads in 7.5.

15 shots, 9 birds. All clean, humane, instant kills. Some of the shots were close, like 20 yards. Some were out there about 35 yards. Cheap shells might have worked OK close up but I doubt they're as good at the longer ranges.

 

[oneounceload]

There is really no comparison between cheap promo loads and good target loads - which, for most upland birds of a smaller size like dove, quail , chukar, etc., you are better off using the target stuff as it tends to pattern better and do a better job

 

[ShowMe2]

Definitely agree with DaveMc and Ouncer on this one...

I always use some type of premium target load (AA, STS, Gold Medal) for all my upland hunting. They are the best ammunition on the planet and you can buy AA and STS at Wal Mart.

 

[djardine]

Speaking of bird hunting with trap loads....
I live in Nevada and my favorite bird hunting is chukar hunting. I was an acquaintance at the gun shop the other day. He has been chukar hunting for years and he shoots 7 1/2 shot Winchester AA trap loads (1300 FPS). I traditionally shoot Fiocchi Golden Pheasant or Federal copper-plated shot in 6 shot at chukar. What do you think about shooting the AA's at chukar? Does the 7 1/2 shot have enough energy for chukar? This guy says he does fairly well but I wonder if he has some cripples or runners? I am curious if a Fiocchi Golden Pheasant in 7 1/2 shot (1485 FPS) might be effective on chukar.

 

[jhallrv4]

I don't shoot birds. Except clay ones. I reload Win AA's exclusively for trap. Trap is my only game. We all seem to notice at the trap range that the promo loads tend to send the wads flying all over the place, where those of us that reload,see the wads flying direct to the clay. That just has to mean better patterning and consistency.

Trap is definitely a "one bird" game. Game birds, not so much. So you can see why a good trap, or skeet, or sporting clays load would be a good thing. 22 out of 25 real birds, you had a good day, three misses out of a round of 25 in trap, it's just practice now, pal. You are WAY out of the money.

My cost per box of reloads is now about 1.25 better than cheap promo stuff, but WAY better than that for comparable quality loads. Thats 12.50 a case. I'm good with that!

 

[Steve C]

As mentioned the main difference between trap and skeet shells and bargain hunting ammo is the case. The base plastic and the way the cases are made is different. Trap shells have a case that can be reloaded 10 or more times while you would be lucky to get 2 loadings out of any of the cheaper field shells before they crack and will not hold their crimp.

I use my 7-1/2 shot 1-1/8oz trap loads for hunting quail and dove.

 

[blitzen]

I don't think the case itself has much to do with performance in either hunting or trap shooting. It is the harness of the shot. Hard shot equals less deformed pellets which equal more dense and efficient killing patterns. Soft shot in the cheapo loads means more deformed (flattend) pellets thus more flyers, holes in the pattern and such.

 

[oneounceload]

Speaking of bird hunting with trap loads....
I live in Nevada and my favorite bird hunting is chukar hunting. I was an acquaintance at the gun shop the other day. He has been chukar hunting for years and he shoots 7 1/2 shot Winchester AA trap loads (1300 FPS). I traditionally shoot Fiocchi Golden Pheasant or Federal copper-plated shot in 6 shot at chukar. What do you think about shooting the AA's at chukar? Does the 7 1/2 shot have enough energy for chukar? This guy says he does fairly well but I wonder if he has some cripples or runners? I am curious if a Fiocchi Golden Pheasant in 7 1/2 shot (1485 FPS) might be effective on chukar.

I used to hunt chukar around Carson and Virginia City. IMO, the answer is......it depends - if you're near the water source and they are reasonably close (well, as reasonaby close as chukar let you get), the 7-1/2 would do for the first barrel with a 6 in the second. otherwise, I think a load of 6's - not necessarily at a shoulder-thumping 1300-1400 fps - will do nicely. My pet load was a 20 gauge, 7/8oz of 6 right a bout 1200-1225 fps.