Picking ammo

[pitbull30]

Was at walmart today and saw a bunch of winchester and federal ammo bulk packs.

100 12g shells for 23 bucks.

How do I know which ones I want.? im not sure what all the numbers mean on some of the boxes. For example. They had "shot size" 6, 7.5 and 8 in these packs.

The rest of the more expensive 12g ammo was locked up.

I dont hunt. I just want some cheap rounds for target practice outside, knock around some steel targets etc.

[rayra]

You need to read up on shot sizes, what 'dram' is, and pay close attention to chamber length, then buy what you want. 7-1/2 is a basic quail / pheasant / skeet load. And that 100pak is a good deal, even at the recent inflated price.

They also usually have 00 buckshot for cheaper than just about anywhere else. Sometimes as low as .50cents / round. Gunshow prices are often $1/rd.

[randy]

If you are going to shoot clay birds then 7.5 to 9 shot. 7.5 and 8 would be good for trap 8 and 9 would be good for skeet.

6 shot would be good for hunting a bird with thick feathers. I would use 6 shot hunting Chukkar/Pheasant.

7.5 and 8 for hunting doves and quail.

If you are taking a tactical shotgun class any of the three sizes would work. Buck comes back and may hurt the steel plates if they don't have good plates.

Pretty basic but that will get you started.

[pitbull30]

Thanks.

Im familiar with 00 buck and slugs.

Im just looking for decent cheap ammo and didnt know what the numbers meant and how much it would matter on what I wanted to do with it. At a price of 20+ bucks, I cant pass it up if it will work...

Thanks.

[bigthaiboy]

Here is some basic info on shot sizes : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun_shells

[TheBundo]

I bought that Winchester 100-pack deal. Good general shooting load for plinking, whatever. Will work in an emergency for HD at close range

[Black Majik]

Try all three, go out to a patterning board and see which does best. Also check reliability with each ammo.

[pitbull30]

Thanks for the replies. The shot size article on wiki helped alot.

[Joe_13]

size 7.5s or 8 shot for skeet trap etc.

Walmart 12 (and 20) gauge is great ammo on the cheap for all the games. I prefer the Federal or Remington over the Winchester.
For some reason my shotgun hates the Winchester Universals...
It eats everything else with no problems whatsoever.

For the price, all these ammos are a great value. Honestly, I have yet to find shotgun ammo for cheaper, anywhere. If anyone knows where to get 12 gauge cheaper than Walmart... do tell!

[Crusader]

I've shot both those Winchester and the Federal bulk packs from Walmart. Neither one had problems, although it seemed that the Federal always shot cleaner. It might have just been weather conditions though.

[SDS-Ruger]

all three are good but look at the super-wally's for the case deals.