3 gun loads

[doubletapp]

I am planning to shoot 3 gun for a change and would like to know what loads would be best for the shotgun division. I have a 11-87P that im going to use. It is a Non-chokeable semi auto. so i will be adding optics as i know i must per the SA class.- Also ---can I use this gun/will it work?

[mif_slim]

I think Raybourn will have a good say in this. But I load my own slugs and I use titewad for low recoil but its a m500 so I dont have to deal with the 11-87 although I like my 11-87 I havent shot them thru to see if it'll cycle.

[prc77]

Shotgun match's are mostly 7 & 8 birdshot, 1 1/8 oz. 3 dram. I would have a box of #6 highbase maybe some 00 buck. and some slugs. Some different choke's are a good thing to have too. IC,M, IM Just make sure what ever you ammo you shoot that it cycles in YOUR shotgun.

Adding optics will put you in OPEN Div.

Practice reloading
Practice reloading Practice reloading Practice reloading Practice reloading

[randy]

If you're shooting a stage with a lot of steel I'd use 1 1/8 6 shot. If there are lots of clays I'd use 7.5.

I rarely use 6 but I'm choked down a bit and have a longer barrel. If your gun will shoot lo recoil slugs I'd use those other wise full power slugs.

Clean your gun, test all your ammo, then clean your gun before the match.

I've never heard of an SA class but prc77 told you true about optics putting you in open class. You will not like your score compared to the open shooters.

If it's an older 11/87 you should contact www.davesmetalworks.com and get an ez loader.

[uscbigdawg]

Two schools of thought when it comes to shotguns and ammo.

1 - adjust your choke to the most difficult shot and shoot #7.5's to #9's all day. This is okay, but frankly, birdshot engagements are not that difficult at distance and this way of thinking is very limiting.

2 - The better way IMHO (and other top 3-Gun shooters) is that slug zero dictates everything else. Get the barrel threaded for chokes or just buy a threaded barrel. From there, find the choke that shoots your desired slugs the best. From there, get a variety of birdshot loads (#4 thru #9, #12 and then Spreaders) and pattern them to find what your pattern densities are at various distances. What you're doing with all this is "choking" your pattern with the velocity of the shot column versus the choke in the shotgun.

This isn't fun. Isn't rather boring actually, but with all the info you now have the tools to engage every shot on a majority of the stages in 3-Gun. The exception is the VERY RARE buckshot on steel/paper and slug shots greater than 75 yards.

Oh...know the difference too between what your gun will pattern with the 100 round Wal-Mart packs and good ammo (AA, STS's, etc.). Never know if they're out and you buy one or the other and don't have the info. For big matches, my guys and I buy the good stuff in lieu of the Walmart crap ammo because for what the price of the match cost, why would you use crap ammo.

Rich

ETA: The ammo you'll probably use the most are a pretty standard load. 3 dram, 1-1/8oz. #7.5's or 8's. I keep 1-2 boxes of Spreaders in the bag as well as a box of #12's and #4's and #6's depending on engagement distances. If there is a stage/match that allows buckshot, Hornady TAP is pretty sweet as it has a solid wad that retains the shot column for a much longer distance.