1oz. trap loads

wayno

Well, the new BT-99 shoots great! I'm thinking about droping down from 1-1/8oz. loads to 1oz. My question is what dram equivalent would be the best from the 16 yard trap line? Most shell makers list 1 oz.HDCP 1330 fps, 3 dram 1235, 2 3/4 dram 1180. And would going to #8 shot instead of #7-1/2 for 1oz. loads be a good idea? Don't want to pattern 20 different boxes of shells. Thanks again for all the help, wayno

golferboy426

back before my disc injury I used to average 98+ using a 1 oz load at 1150 FPS using # 8. I've since dropped down to 7/8 oz at about 1175 and still am over 97. Less is more from the 16

PA Shootist

I also use 1 oz of #8 at the 16 yard range, both in my 30 year old Browning BT-99, and also in my approx 10 years old Remington 11-87 Trap gun. I load for approx. 1100 fps by the manual. The reason that I dropped back from 1-1/8 oz at approx 1200 fps was to reduce recoil substantially, due to arthritis and damaged discs in my neck, and the pain I suffered from the whiplash of recoil. The choice was simple, cut the recoil way back, or quit trap shooting. To my surprise the 1 oz, lower-velocity, way-lower recoil loads worked well, perhaps even bringing my average up a little, instead of down. If I'm "on" the bird, it smokes. And I have suffered little from the recoil, and have been able to resume shooting. The load just barely functions the 11-87, and it must be kept very clean to ensure reliability of ejection.

7mmbr

I as well use 1oz trap loads in my 687 EELL Uni-Single and love it. If I am on my game I can easily hold 98% at 16yds.

XXCross

Lower velocity shells (2 3/4 dram) will give you a tighter patern density. Something you might want to consider if you're using a modified choke. If you shoot fast, the higher dram shells will help spread the shot a little quicker. (advantage if you're using a full choke gun) Number eight shot (or 8 1/2) works great on 16yd targets. Back in the days I was shooting PITA targets, 2 3/4 dram 9's were all I ever used at 16yds. NO PROBLEM!

bobski

1oz is fine.
just dont start playing with muzzle velocities. once you do, the minute you go back to your handicap, your leads and timing will be off. stick to 2 3/4/1200fps or pick a muzzle velocity and stay with it across the board.
8's are fine for 16yd and youll get more pellets in your swarm that way.
maybe its my old age, but when did ATA drop the 1200fps rule?

wayno

I just looked at the ATA rules, as of Sept 1,2006, maximum velocity with a shot charge of 1 1/8oz.is 1290fps, 1oz. 1325fps, 7/8oz. 1350fps. I'm planning on using 1oz. loads between 1150-1235fps. I'm going to pattern Federals, Remingtons, and Winchesters, 2 3/4 & 3 dr. eq. I'll try some 7 1/2 and 8 size shot and see what happens. Thanks for all the info, wayno

bobski

times change i guess.
just remember, the faster your pattern, the less lead you need.
stick with 2 3/4dram for 16, 3dram for handicap.