Skeet Load

[Kirk Mckinney]

Gentlemen

I wanted to see what y'all considered sufficient load for skeet. I have a 3/4,7/8 and 1 oz lead load. All are 2 1/2 inch 12 gauge loads around 1150 to 1180fps. I am not a expert shot so with that in mind. How much lead and at what speed do you think I should shoot? I am wanting to shoot a lot of skeet with my new Fox AE grade and sharpen my skills. My barrels are 26 inch with cylinder and modified chokes according to the seller.
Thanks in advance for any info.

[Gary Laudermilch]

You can break skeet targets with darn near anything. Shoot light and save your shoulder.

[Kirk Mckinney]

I was hoping that was the case. If I could get it to kick like a 22 long I would. I have heard of guys shooting 1/2 ounce. In not sure I would know if it worked well or not because I would probably never hit one. I like my little 3/4 oz. and can kick it up to 1200 fps and be about 5200 psi.....Thanks Gary

[Daniel Carter]

It is the shooter that makes the shot, 1\2 oz. shoots many straights weekly. Only rarely in my hands, it's the indian not the arrow that needs the work. I have converted a number of skeet shooters to 3\4 and they see no difference except in cost and recoil.

[Kirk Mckinney]

The 3/4 oz. sounds good to me..... 1150 to 1200 should be okay on speed shouldnt it ??? Any advantages for going faster???

[Daniel Carter]

Faster=more pressure-recoil. Tom Roster wrote an article saying higher velocity is not an advantage in most applications. Claybusters makes a dedicated 3\4 wad with load info in the bag.

[Kirk Mckinney]

Now that you mention that. I read a article that stated faster loads didn't always hold a great pattern.....I hadnt used claybuster wads. All my wads are from Precision Reloading. I always get them to test the loads so I know where I am. The 3/4 wad I use fits the 2 1/2 shell perfect in my opinion. I use the same wad for 7/8s load but seems a little tight. Not sure ( amateur re loader ) it may be they are supposed to be tight. lol Anyway if I remember at 1150 to 1180 the pressure is almost 5k with 700x. I consider that good.

[Daniel Carter]

Sounds like you have a really good load there.

[Dean Romig]

When I used to shoot skeet on a regular basis (not registered) I found the the clays seemed a bit harder to break in cold weather so I went to one shot size larger when I shot the winter league.






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[Paul Harm]

Buy the Claybuster wads and save some money. I've been shooting 3/4oz loads with the CBer wads for a couple of years now and have been happy. In each bag they have a data sheet showing numerous loads. Many guys on other forums claim you want closer to 1300fps to get the load so it doesn't have a hot core. With a load this light another 100fps won't make a difference with recoil, at least I don't mind it. A article was written that 3/4oz loads at 1200fps or less were so tight at skeet ranges the author had to use spreaders or fiber wads. I load at what should be 1300 and use them for all the clay games. And pressure is not in the formula for recoil. Weight of the components and velocity is though. You are right if everything else is the same and more powder is used, you'll get more pressure/velocity and in turn more recoil. But with a different powder you could get a higher velocity with less pressure. If I was reloading 2 1/2" folded shells I'd use CBer wads meant for 1 1/8oz of shot and just put in 3/4oz of shot. The CBer wads meant for 3/4, 7/8 [ except the 4100 wad ] , 1, 1 1/8, and so on all have the same base construction, just a different cushion height, so it doesn't matter which one you use at the pressures we're reloading at. I've talked to them at CBers and was told he couldn't give a official reply, but if it were him, he wouldn't be afraid to sub in wads. If you want the load data for 3/4oz of shot try this: information@claybusterwads.com or this
Customer Service: 800-922-6287, or let me know if they don't have it and I'll help. For 3/4oz in the 2 1/2" shell I use the CB-1138-12 wad meant for 1 3/8oz. The fingers of the wad stick up a small bit, but fold right over when it's crimped.

[Kirk Mckinney]

Paul. Do you think the shot pattern will be real tight with cylinder choke and modified choke ??

[Kirk Mckinney]

Thanks for the tip Dean.

[Scott Janowski]

The only reason for a heavy load in the 12 gauge for Skeet, is to match the speed of the .410 if you shoot Registered in all four gauges.
Use that nice 3/4 oz load and practice a lot with it! Stick with that gun and that load and just practice,practice,practice!

[Kirk Mckinney]

Thanks for the tip. I wasnt planning on shooting in a league or anything but it really sounds fun....I was planning on practicing up for quail hunting.

[Kirk Mckinney]

If I could get some of you guys advise who have owned old double barrels way longer than me. Would you consider it abuse to shoot my fox AE grade 4 weight barrels at the range once a week or maybe twice a week. Shooting four to six boxes of shells a week. They would be 3/4 ounce lead loads under 5k psi. Would you consider that abuse to the gun or ok to do. Thanks.....I would really like to get a bunch of opinions on it. I only own one other sxs so Im not sure. Its Cromox barrels. 1927 year manufactured

[Dean Romig]

These old doubles weren't built with the intention they be babied. They were made to be the best shooting, most reliable guns of their time. Shoot it all you want, with appropriate loads.






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[Chuck Bishop]

I think your overly concerned with keeping your pressure at 5000 psi. You'll notice a lot of unburndt powder in the barrels and you may get some hollow sounding reports especially in cold weather. Assuming the barrels are sound, I think you would be better off in the 6 to 7 psi range and that's even on the low side.

[Kirk Mckinney]

Thanks Dean. I’m glad to hear that. As far as the pressures. I don’t know how to raise it up. It averages 4992 psi. And that’s at 1182 average speed in a 5string test. That’s 700x. Unless I go faster or add more lead I’m not sure how. I wouldn’t know if it wasn’t burning all the powder or not. When I clean it i get black on the first couple of patches. I thought that was normal. Am I missing something?? Thanks for any input

[Gary Laudermilch]

Kirk, go to Hodgedon's or Alliant's reloading data centers and you will find a multitude of suitable/tested loads that will be in the more correct pressure range. Pick one to stay in the 1150-1200 fps range and you can shoot that gun of yours as much as your wallet can stand.

I have recently been using Alliant Extra-Lite for 7/8 oz 12 ga loads using the grey Claybuster wads. It has been working well for me but there are other powders that are equally suitable.

[Kirk Mckinney]

Thanks Gary I will check it out...I guess I am being overly cautious. I just figured less is better, but I see where a clean burn is better more efficiently. I like experimenting with loads so I will check it out. Thanks

See you in the Field

[Paul Harm]

The data sheet that comes with CB-0175 wads shows 16 loads with the Remington hull using 700X. All of them are between 7000psi and 10,600. Using a Cheddite primer and 14.4grs you get 1150fps at 7900psi. The Win primer and 13.7grs gets 1150fps and 7200psi [ the Ched with 13.7 would probably be the same seeing how they're both mild primers ]. I'm not sure how much powder you're using or what hull to get those pressures. You'll know if it's a clean burn by looking down the barrel after shooting. Do you see a lot of unburnt powder ? The only powder I've ever had problems with is 4756. That was at zero temps and 7/8oz loads - something that powder was never intended for. It was a slower burning powder meant for heavy hunting loads. You're not going to hurt your gun with loads under 8000psi. I shoot mine three times a week and never give it a second thought. As far as tight patterns - every gun can react differently to the same loads. The light loads pattern a bit tighter because the shot column is shorter resulting in less deformation of the shot in the bottom of the column when the shell is first ignited. More BB's stay round, the more stay in the pattern. When I first started shooting the clay games after a 30 year lay off, I went back to the 12ga 1 1/8oz load like I always had shot. Got reading some clays magazines and went to 1oz, then 7/8oz, and finally 3/4oz. Every step I'd be looking at how much shot I was loosing, but ya know, it didn't make a difference in how or how many birds were broken. And, it was a lot easier on my wallet and shoulder.

[Kirk Mckinney]

Thanks Paul I will look into that. I only shot it once when it came from Artemis Outfitters. That was RST Shells one down each barrel. I wanted to test it on a factory load in case something happened, it wouldn't be because of my reload. Everyone knows RST are reputable 1st class loads for vintage guns. It patterned great with their 1 oz load . I planning on going to the range just as soon as this rain here in Texas stops. I will take a look in the barrels after a few shots for un-burnt powder. If anything from 7k to 8k is safe I have been way off track. Thanks Again

[Dave Noreen]

For the past 15 years I've put tens of thousands of my 12-gauge, 7/8 ounce, 1200 fps, reloads through my 1937 vintage Fox-Sterlingworth Ejector Skeet & Upland Game Gun. I feel 7/8 ounce is light enough in the 12-gauge with little to no recoil and good skeet patterns. My load is a Remington STS hull, Remington 209P primer, 16.4 Grains of Clays, Remington TGT12S wad (or CB equivalent) and 7/8 ounce shot. About 6300 psi according to the Basic Reloading Manual. For nostalgic smells I do a 7/8 ounce, 1200 fps, load in Federal papers.

[Kirk Mckinney]

Good to know...Seems although they are old guns they are durable. I to have a Sterlingworth...my first sxs,1929...It has 30 inch barrel full and full so I use it for ducks. My new AE Grade is really light and quick.26 inch barrels ..I cant wait to use it. Although I dont have any clays and about 16pounds of 700 x . I think Im going to use it up first. Thanks for the info

[Paul Harm]

Dave, are you the one who bought all of Garlands Remington 1984 top lever springs ? If so, I'd like to buy a couple. Paul

[Dave Noreen]

Wasn't this Dave. Wisner's still lists them --

http://www.wisnersinc.com/model/1894-1900-double-barrel/

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Kirk, 4 weight barrels on a Fox AE, what a great gun--what is it choked? I have a "The Sterlingworth Co." pin gun with 4 wt barrels choked cyl/mod as per the old Fox catalog(28 barrels") , It is probably under 7 lbs, the 4 wt marking is quite readable on the barrels, most seem to have been filed off. I wouldn't worry about shooting it esp. with those loads.

[Kirk Mckinney]

Harold. Yes mine are cylinder and modified. 26 inch. It’s light and beautiful lol. I think so. I was just texting a guy on fb that has dogs. Planning a hunt in the fall. Just found out he has a old fox as well. I plan on using it all I can. Have a good night

[Harold Lee Pickens]

I shoot predominately 7/8 oz loads in my 12 ga's, using the Claybuster 1078 gray wad in Rem Gun Clubs(always easy to find) and in 21/2 " also. Currently trying out Win AA Lite powder--don't think it is available anymore, but I have 4 pounds. Gary and others give good reports on Xtra Lite powder. Where are you planning your hunting trip?--and for what birds?

[William Davis]

My regular Parker Sporting clays load is 7/8 oz # 8 @ 1150 FPS . When I want 1 oz use 7 1/2 either load about ideal for a tight choked gun. Skeet range is nearby and shoot it often, have loaded a fair amount of 3/4 oz with # 9. It performs well but I have to keep different powder wad and shot size on hand. Use up the supply will probably drop the 3/4 oz loads. Can’t detect any difference 3/4 vs 7/8 shooting. Can feel increased recoil with the 1 oz loads.

Felt Recoil is subjective though, lighter gun 3/4 may be an advantage. In any event 3/4 & # 9 is perfectly adequate for skeet targets

William

[Kirk Mckinney]

Harold ...we will be hunting Quail in Texas. Thats where I live. Althought the guy I met on a FB hunting page travels to Michigan and other places with his dogs to let people hunt behind them. At a cost... not sure how much ?

[Kirk Mckinney]

Thanks for the info William. I think I have some # 9 shot and will give it a try. I have been using # 8 . I think I will have to look and see. I wondered if 9shot was to light for skeet. But I guess not if everyone uses it. Thanks for the info

[Paul Harm]

Harold, that's a 0178 for the 12ga. 1078 fits the 20ga, both 7/8oz. #9's is standard for skeet , but you could use 8 1/2, 8's, or even 7 1/2. Most gun clubs will demand you don't go any larger, mainly they'll fly farther and maybe out of the shooting grounds. Because you're so close at skeet - 15 to 27 yds - #9's have enough energy, and there's more of them, so that's what most guys use. Same for trap if you shoot fast, but most guys like 8's or 7 1/2 because the shots are usually a little longer. Remington designed 8 1/2 for 16yd trap. Right now I use 8's for everything including 5-stand and SC's. Then I'll get on a kick and switch to 8 1/2. Don't worry about it - if the clay is in the center of your pattern any size will break it. Although I should say at one time I patterned all my and the wife's guns. Her 28ga didn't like 8 1/2 shot. Everything else was good. I don't pattern them anymore, but if seems like you're not breaking targets and think you should, it wouldn't hurt to pattern it. Good luck - Paul

[Kirk Mckinney]

Thanks Paul

[Paul Harm]

A year back or so a fellow forgot his shooting bag and in it were a box of RST shells. So I throw it in the closet hoping he'll call for it. Well, a year later I was short a couple of shells so I scoot back to the club house and grab a couple of the RST's that were in the bag. If I remember they were 1oz and shot as nice as my 3/4 or 7/8 shells. I was really amazed how soft a shooting shell they were. It would be nice to know what kind of powder and how much they're using.

[Kirk Mckinney]

You are certainly right Paul. RST loads are sweet. Not sure what they use. I have a 1oz. load with Longshot slowed down that is real smooth.But I know most people wont shoot it in a 1oz load but it tested good. I hadnt shot but a few shells but they worked well in Texas.