Trap Shoot - Load Question

[BGlaze250]

Later this month, my father and I have been invited to join his friends for their annual BBQ Shotgun Shoot, during which we’ll be shooting trap and going through a sporting clays course. I have my own shotgun, a pump-action Mossberg Maverick 12 gu., and my father has a semi-automatic Remington 12 gu. and a semi-automatic Remington 20 gu. I have been trap shooting before, a few times, but I have never bought my own shells for the exercise, and I do not remember what I was provided in the past.

So, my question is, what is the preferred, appropriate load for a trap/sporting clay shoot, remembering that I’m limited to 12 gu. and my father can use either 12 gu. or 20 gu. Should I stick with buck- or bird-shot? What does the average shooter prefer?

 

[ArmedBear]

Light loads are usually common for trap, heavier for SC.

Most ranges don't allow shot larger than 7.5. 7.5 carries farther than 8; it'll probably be your best bet for mixed shooting. Some SC targets are harder to hit with 8's, since they're long-range targets. However, 7.5 will work fine for all trap distances, so I'd get all 7.5 for simplicity's sake.

I'd get something like 1 1/8 oz. of 7.5 shot going about 1200 fps in 12 Gauge, your typical Wal Mart load in bulk Federal boxes.

Don't buy the Winchester bulk crap; I've had it jam in pump guns. Buy Remington Sport Loads if you want the best-feeding cheap Wal-Mart bulk ammo IMHO. They're a bit more expensive than the Federals; the Federals probably feed just as well in 99% of the guns you will try. If I want disposable ammo, I get the Federals, myself, and they work fine. If I want to reload, I get the Remingtons; they have hulls that work better for reloading.

Bear in mind that this is not the exact load the winners will be shooting, but don't worry about that. The load is the least of your concerns. Go and have fun!

 

[Steve C]

12GA 1-1/8 OZ 7-1/2 or 8 shot 3 dram equivalent is a typical trap load. The Walmart value packs or target of game loads with the same shot size work fine for trap shooting. Most trap ranges wouldn't allow buck shot as it carries too far and you could injure someone 1/4 mile away behind the range.

 

[kermit315]

16.97 for 2 3/4" 12 guage 7.5 shot winchester 100 round pack at walmart.

I just bought 2 for the same purpose.