Shotgun ammo

[LuluSS]

Ok, so you know I am getting a new shotgun. Problem is, I don't know anything about shotgun ammo. There are so many different types it is almost overwhelming. I am just gonna be shooting paper/fruit. What is the best ammo for that!? Thanks!!!

[Steyrlp10]

I am no expert by far, but when I went out with a bunch of my GFs, I got a good deal on cases of Estate shells from Triple A. I'm out of your area, but these are lead shot because we were shooting at both steel and paper on the action range. This was for my Remington 870 in the 12 gauge.

[LuluSS]

Thanks for the reply! I ended up going to Walmart and getting 100 rounds of Federal 8 shot for only $21.97!

[Asphodel]

Thats easy to answer, actually.....if you will just be shooting clay birds, or paper, your Federal #8 'low base' 'trap loads' are the right choice.

Shotgun shells are, generally, divided into 'low base', meaning relatively light charges meant for trap, skeet, and 'sporting clays' shooting, 'high base', meaning 'full power' charges for duck, goose, and wild turkey hunting, and 'magnum', meaning the highest acceptable power level, for duck, goose, and turkey hunting at longer ranges.

Note that shotgun recoil is directly proportional to the 'power level' and shot charge weight of the shell used. Light 'trap loads' are much more comfortable to shoot. Heavy magnum charges are......well.....not so comfortable.

The 'base' is the brass or brass-plated steel head of the shell, with the 'high base' shells being stronger, to safely contain the higher firing pressure of the stronger loads.

The 'shot number' ranges from #8, the smallest or finest shot commonly available, used for clay pigeon sports, #7-1/2, also used for clay birds, #6 and $4, used for ducks and geese, and #2, and BB, used for geese at long range, and wild turkeys. BB is very nearly the same diameter as the steel BB shot used for kids' BB guns. (the anti-hunting people have scammed legislators into enacting laws requiring 'non-lead', meaning steel or other metals, shot, for some hunting. Steel shot is not good for shotgun barrels, to 'put it mildly')

Buckshot, as the name implies, is used for deer and wild pigs at close range, and also as a self-defence round against criminals or as a war weapon. The commonly available buckshot shells are 00 Buck, (pronounced double-ought), which has, in 12 gauge, 9 pellets of .33" (one-third of an inch) diameter, and #4 Buck, which has 27 pellets of .25" (1/4 inch) diameter.

The length of the shell varies, too. Most 12 and 16 gauge shells are 2-3/4" long, which is considered the 'standard' shell. 12 gauge 'magnum' shells, are 3" length, and the uncommon larger 10 gauge magnum shells, used for long range goose hunting by those who can withstand its rather noticeable recoil, are 3-1/2". (I've fired 10-3-1/2" mag........ouch......and don't recommend it)

The usual 20ga shells, these days, are the 3" length, an excellent choice for clay bird sports, quail, grouse, sage hens, etc. (the 20 can be a bit marginal for pheasants, unless you can hit accurately at fairly close range) The usual 20 gauge guns are lighter and more comfortable so shoot, so they can be a good choice for clay bird sports.

Using the little .410, which is called by its bore diameter, rather than the old 'gauge' system, can be an enjoyable challenge in the clay bird sports. Its 3" shells contain a smaller shot charge, so there is a higher skill level required to consistently hit the clay birds.

Interestingly, most shotgun loads in the different gauge sizes are roughly the same 'power level', in terms of pellet velocity (magnum loads being faster, low-base being slower), with the difference being in the greater number of shot pellets in the larger gauges.

The greater the number of pellets, the greater the 'shot pattern density', usually figured in a 30" circle, at a specific range. A greater 'pattern density' can make the difference between the clay bird being broken, or not, or whether the quail becomes a nice quail dinner, rather than just losing a feather or two.

cheers

Carla

[LuluSS]

Thanks Carla, that really helped out a lot. I ended up just getting some 8 shot ammo to test out the shotgun two weekends ago since it is inexpensive. My first time ever shooting a shotgun and all I have to say is wow. LOL. I only shot about 20 rounds through it because my arm hurt! HAHAHA. And, even though it is an 8 shot capacity, 3-5 shots at a time is all I can handle. I ended up having a bruise on my shoulder the next day!
I will post pics soon...haven't had time with work and school.

[Steyrlp10]

Lulu, glad you had fun out there. What I found to be helpful with the sore shoulder bit was the recoil pad. My 870 has a good one, but my friend's Mossberg doesn't. Big difference as in OW - lol

[SScott]

edit

[LuluSS]

HAHA, yup. I am already looking into those! Wonder if I can find a pink one......HAHA.

Lulu, glad you had fun out there. What I found to be helpful with the sore shoulder bit was the recoil pad. My 870 has a good one, but my friend's Mossberg doesn't. Big difference as in OW - lol

[LuluSS]

I would LOVE an AA12. Aren't they illegal in CA though and also like $10K?

A good auto-loader has a lot less recoil and is much more enjoyable to shoot.
I want a AA12 (my dream shotgun)

[Steyrlp10]

HAHA, yup. I am already looking into those! Wonder if I can find a pink one......HAHA.

Lol... that would be quite an image

Now, if I wasn't all crazy about 1911s and started getting into shotguns, I think I'd blow moolah on a Perazzi and Benelli. I like things when they're sold in pairs

[LuluSS]

Yes, pairs are good haha.

Me and my SO are buying our first 1911 this Saturday!!!! A Springfield Armory. I am super excited to shoot it! It's his wedding present. My wedding present is a revolver. I am at a toss though between a Ruger GP100 and S&W 686.

Lol... that would be quite an image

Now, if I wasn't all crazy about 1911s and started getting into shotguns, I think I'd blow moolah on a Perazzi and Benelli. I like things when they're sold in pairs

[Steyrlp10]

Yes, pairs are good haha.

Me and my SO are buying our first 1911 this Saturday!!!! A Springfield Armory. I am super excited to shoot it! It's his wedding present. My wedding present is a revolver. I am at a toss though between a Ruger GP100 and S&W 686.

Great job -- His and Hers

Whatever you choose, I'm sure you're going to be happy with the revolver. I have both a S&W 686 and 66. Retired duty weapons that I have since adopted. That's the thing about my Better Half's firearms... they call to me - lol

[LuluSS]

I was looking at the 686, but honestly, I have heard the GP100's are just as nice and less expensive. Plus, I already have a Ruger that has been nothing but reliable so I figured I would get a nother

Down the road I might get a 686 as well.

[Jules]

Lulu, I love my GP100, but I haven't shot it at all since I got my 1911. It's still my favorite revolver though.

As far as shotguns, I also love my Beretta 390. Hardly any recoil at all. I shoot 7 1/2s through it. I shoot my first trap league shoot on Sunday, with my twelve-year-old son right there on the team next to me. It's going to be fun!

[Steyrlp10]

I shoot my first trap league shoot on Sunday, with my twelve-year-old son right there on the team next to me. It's going to be fun!

I think that's so cool when the moms are with their sons I'm proud of both my boys for outshooting me!