Hotly Debated...Ammunition Truths

The ammunition we choose can affect us physically; our performance in the shooter's box; and the results we very much want down range at the target. I speak from long experience…mine and others. These are hard truths learned by many over time. 

Do you know any shooters who struggle with neck or shoulder pain? Have had a shoulder replacement? A torn retina? Been there! And I was not using heavy loads!! After a 2-hour long trip to my retina doctor, I was hoping I hadn’t suffered any preventing permanent vision loss. I hadn’t. Fortunately, I still have 20/20 vision. 

Please know, the effects of recoil are cumulative…and won’t go away. If I can have your attention here for another minute.

Ammunition is a topic hotly debated, argued and typically disagreed upon. There are two “shooter camps” here. Said respectfully, the first camp believes more is always better. This is the N.A.S.C.A.R., horsepower and torque crowd. This is the group that many manufacturers appeal to with a) heavier loads and b) faster shell speeds – 1,300 to 1,400 fps – with blown patterns and recoil consequences. 

"Speed is irrelevant if you are

going in the wrong direction."

Those in the second camp have already been down the shooting experience road for a while and have learned the following Truths on the Sporting Clays, Skeet and Trap courses.

1. Loads in the 1,300 to 1,400 fps range deliver punishing recoil. The consequences of that recoil are cumulative – too often resulting in “flinching” – and sometimes worse. These loads are completely contraindicated!
2. Shell speeds between 1,150 and 1,250 fps will break every fair clay target ever thrown off a trap machine. Dependably. Consistently. Period. Decades of overwhelming research and countless millions of rounds downrange have proven this conclusively.
3.  Moving from a 7/8 oz or 1 oz load to a 1 1/8 oz load will add density to a pattern. That’s a good thing. Increasing that payload will also, however, raise recoil levels – and quickly. For all the youths and new women shooters, I recommend 7/8 oz target loads in the 1,150 to 1,200 fps range. They will do all you ask them to and more! Dependably!
4.  Placing a heavier load, very fast-moving shell into a lighter gun – and especially with a new shooter? T recoil will be punishing.  Please…don’t.  

I discuss ammunition in my 3 books, Take Your Best Shot, To Target and Beyond The Target.

 Ammunition, assuming 12 gauge…

 A few important numbers:

1.  2 3/4 DRAM loads. Dram is the amount of powder in the shell. For clay target work, 3 DRAM and higher = more recoil and are contraindicated in too many ways to count. 2 3/4 DRAM loads hit the magic fps numbers…1,150 to 1,200 fps.

2.  1,200 fps or a bit less will break every fair target presentation on this earth… consistently.

3.  First choice is either 7/8 oz or 1 oz loads at a manageable speed. Both are 100% dependable. Sorry, the miss was not your shell. Our 2nd and perfectly acceptable choice are 1 1/8 oz loads, remembering, more recoil. 

 4.  Shot size: 8’s put more pellets in the pattern…best for 80-90% of our targets inside 40 yards. 7 1/2’s (larger and heavier pellet) are also excellent…will break every “fair” target out to 60+ yards. 

A 7/8 oz load of # 8’s, just slightly below 1,200 fps, is my # 1 favorite shell for all targets inside 35 yards…highly recommended…the shell I use in practice and competition…100% reliable. Over 35 yards, I prefer a 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz (7 1/2’s) only to keep a few more pellets in the pattern at longer distances…again keeping the fps at or slightly under 1,200 fps. 

Note: Wingshooters – beware of those heavy, very fast loads. They are a fool’s errand. Hunting loads in the 1,200 to 1,250 fps range will serve you very well. Dependably and consistently. Just choose your shot size accordingly, depending on the game bird you are hunting.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you out on the course.

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About Dan Schindler

Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays, Skeet, Trap & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and making their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!  

Dan Schindler's Books

"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors

and parents of youth shooters."

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.

To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.

Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.

Here's what Shooters, Coaches and Clay Shooting USA saying...

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition

To The Target (Book II)

Beyond The Target (Book III)