question on birdshot loads

[damndave]

gonna be going to shoot some clays soon enough. I am a total beginner at this. It is just too much fun, so of course I need to load up on more ammo. I am using either Winchester bulk pack 12ga 7 1/2 1200 fps from Wallyworld or the Remington STS Managed-recoil 7 /1/2 1145 fps.

All I do it shoot the clays coming out of the luncher, and I am not very good at that yet.

Whats the advantages/disadvantages for using #8 or a #9 shot load?

[sargenv]

If you are shooting skeet, you'd likely want the #9's since the pattern can be denser for the same weight (smaller pellets). Some ranges have a restriction on largest shot size for a specific clays game. Most people shoot 7.5's since they are so available. You likely will not notice much difference and it boils down to personal preference and a "perceived denser pattern". 500+ pellets is denser than 400 any day of the week.. though the smaller sizes tend to be a bit more expensive and rarer for sale.

[BigDogatPlay]

Between 7.5, 8 and 9 they are going to shoot and feel very similar. More shot in the pattern at longer ranges with a more restrictive choke, such as for trap where the clays are all heading away from you, is a good thing.

Any of those three sizes should serve you well.

[picasso]

Number of lead pellets per ounce in a 2 3/4" shell:
7 1/2 = 350 pellets of .095" diameter
8 = 410 pellets of .09" diameter
9 = 585 pellets of .08" diameter

More pellets higher chance of hitting the target, but weaker and with a shorter effective range.

[shrap]

There are also safety issues involved, as the smaller pellets don't travel as far. Some ranges have their skeet/trap fields closer to other fields on the assumption that you will follow their ammo restrictions.

[damndave]

thanks for the info everyone. the Wallyworld bulk pack will do, at least for my skill level.

I plan on only shooting skeet for now.

[Black Majik]

thanks for the info everyone. the Wallyworld bulk pack will do, at least for my skill level.

I plan on only shooting skeet for now.

Both #8 and #9 will be fine. I actually prefer #7 1/2 since it does a better job of dusting the clays, but a break is a break.

I'll show you some fun games with clays at Burro.