Is Your Ammunition Costing You Targets?

Welcome back. Have I mentioned it’s been raining here? Noah went by and said to say hello.

It is so tiring to be on the range and hear the old myths being repeated –opinions that just aren’t so. If the following sounds a bit like a rant, it’s because I just learned of another father who insists his 15-year-old son use shells labeled at 1,350 fps. This is more than just regrettable. 

To begin this article – let’s set up a simple standard for comparison purposes. The standard is a) what ammunition speed actually works best, b) with zero compromises of reliability, and c) delivers the most advantages to the shooter in the box.

Do faster shells – 1,250 / 1,350 fps – work? Yes, they do. Do they recoil more? ABSOLUTELY. A LOT more. Recoil is not your friend. Do they work better than slower shells? NO, they don’t. Am I sure about that? An unconditional yes. 

None of this is theory. If you’re the doubting mathematician among us, I encourage you to Google the physics of all this to your heart’s content – verifying what is said here. 

What matters here is recoil; what the shot string is doing BETWEEN the muzzle and the target; what takes place AT the target.

“Truth is what stands the test of experience.”

Albert Einstein

 The facts are:

1. Recoil spikes quickly when a shooter uses, a) heavier loads of shot and b) increased levels of powder, 3 dram and up. The effects of that recoil are cumulative. Those effects can be ignored but they can’t be avoided. Constant exposure to higher recoil effectively diminishes performance in the shooting box – and scores. Why? Because excessive recoil is punishing – regularly causing flinching, head lifting, neck, shoulder and eye injuries.

2. Faster vs slower shot string speed differences – at ranges between 35 and 60 yards – are practically non-existent! Are target loads in the 1,150 to 1,200 fps range reliable – even at extended yardages? YES – 24/7/365 – because the shot string speed differences AT THE TARGET are almost nil. Fact.

3. Patterning boards don’t lie. 1 oz loads in the range of 1,175 fps typically yield superior patterns. Superior patterns = more X’s! Fact.

4. Proven time and time again, slower shell speeds with better patterns put more pellets on the target downrange.

When choosing shell speed and payload – there exists an optimum level that provides the very best shell performance – and shooter performance. Tests have proven, when payloads and speed limits are exceeded, shell performances AND shooter performances both deteriorate, quickly. Patterns worsen – recoil spikes – the actual number of pellets arriving on target goes down. In the case of clay target ammunition – more is not better. Less delivers better patterns – less recoil – more X’s. 

In my humble opinion, the NASCAR mentality – more horsepower – more torque – has no place in the clay target sports. Trading superior patterns for more, unnecessary shell speed – inferior patterns – and MORE recoil – is a decision that very predictably results in poor performances and lower scores. A simple truth – reality.

May I suggest – don’t ever depend on your ammunition to break your targets. That’s worse than counting on the golf club to put the ball in the hole for you. Faster loads and excessive recoil will always punish a shooter, and especially women and youngsters. Please – don’t go there. Loads in the 1,200 fps range have been breaking targets, dependably, for decades.  There’s a truth you CAN count on, a real advantage in the shooting box.

Be safe, and thanks for stopping by. We look forward to seeing you here again in 2 weeks.

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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 & 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 make 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)