One of the big names that writes about shotgun loads in the SC's magazines claimed at skeet ranges the patterns were too tight. He recomended just chilled shot and or fiber wads in place of plastic wads. And yes, the patterns are more consistent, or more even with less holes. In FITASC they went from 1 1/4 to 1oz of shot. Everyone complained saying the scores would go way down - they didn't - scores stayed the same. Just think - a 1/4oz less of shot and it made no difference. I know when I went from an 1 1/8 to 1oz, and then to 7/8 I kind of worried. But not anymore - I'm now at 3/4oz and hitting them the same with a lot less recoil.

I've experienced the same thing Paul. 1 1/8oz>1>7/8>3/4oz. Scores did'nt change and I'm having a blast shooting some 12ga. guns that just got neglected because I did'nt like the recoil even with 7/8oz. loads. I've also patterned my 3/4oz. load on paper and found that whether it's full choke (.030+) or skeet (.005) the patterns are uniform with no flyers. I load nothing but Lawrance Magnum shot, 6% or higher antimony. Just to illustrate the point, a few years back, they mandated the 24gram load for international bunker. That's about 1/16oz lighter than a 7/8oz. load. That is an extremely difficult game at best. They discovered that their scores actually went up, not down, due to the lack of recoil and the quick recovery for a second shot which can sometimes be at 45yds.+. Last night at our weekly Thurs. night shoot, we shot skeet, all doubles and you have to shoot them in reverse (ie: station 1- low house first and then high house.) Gives a new meaning to Sk in/ Sk out. I was using a grade2, 1frame, 32" fishtail hammer with .036 and .039 chokes. Everyone wanted to shoot it and to a man they all said " That gun really likes that load you're shooting". I don't know about the gun but I know I do. What's not to like; no recoil and low pressure. Bottom line is I think people worry way too much about chokes. The goal is to center the target and that center does'nt change size. I just happen to love shooting tight chokes and vaporizing targets. Great feedback to the old onboard computer between my ears that I do'nt get with more open chokes. But that's just me.

I think if you shoot well, you can use a much smaller payload to great effect, like shooting a small-gauge gun as opposed to a 12

You'll find with a large payload such as 1 1/8oz a lot of the shot in the bottom of the taller shot column gets deformed giving you many flyers. Yes you'll sometimes hit with a flyer, but all that's doing is giving a false indication of where the main shot pattern is. You'll shot the same again and miss wondering why. It's not that you have to be a better shooter to use a smaller payload, but a smaller payload will make you a better shooter.

I'm going to shoot clays on Thursday (sept '12) and am taking either my
Sterlingworth or Lefever I grade. My Parker is full and full the other two are F and M. What chokes do you guys recommend? I am considering shooting my GH with spreader shells since it's a F and F. Anyone out there try such a thing?

One of my favorite Parkers for clays is a 12 gauge PH with F/F chokes. I shoot the RST maxilite with it and it does extremely well

Paul;
You took the words out of my mouth. A lighter load is not only more efficient but without the recoil it enables you to stay on target for that second shot.
Steve;
My suggestion is to not worry about your chokes but shoot a gun that fits you and you'll break targets. I love shooting tight chokes and if you get that choke thing out of your mind and just concentrate on the target you will be amazed at how well you do with a full choke.

I think the low pressure and smaller shot of RST loads has a lot to do with why I shoot better with them than with higher pressure loads.

Thanks, Mills. I will take your advice. My GH #2 frame is pretty heavy and with the Maxlite loads, which I have never tried, it probably won't kick much at all.

As an aside, I've been shooting skeet/trap regularly for about two months now and usually shoot my SC at Trap and a Browning Gold Fusion at skeet, because that is the only gun I own with an open choke (screw in). The Browning has a very light receiver and I've discovered that a heavier gun is much less "whippy", especially after I tire after shooting my third or fourth round of skeet and to a lessor degree, trap.

Conclusion? A lighter gun is good if one is walking for birds, but IMO a heavier gun is best for clay bird games.

Also, becoming tired is an issue too. One would not think that one could get pooped out shooting clay birds, but I do and it shows in my scores. As I consider the question, I suppose shooting a heavier gun might make me tire quicker.....I'll have to try and see.

Steve, I have a couple of friends who shoot a "swing through" method. Now I'm not one to say what method to use be it pull away, swing through, intercept, or maintain lead; but when they tire a bit they start missing. Their timing isn't the same. A heavier gun keeps moving after the shot, a lighter gun is easier to start moving. So many things to consider - quess that's why we're not all master class shooters.