What's everyone using for ammo these days?
 

What are you guys shooting for ammo at 5 stand and sporting clays? Remington has 4 different STS loads in 1 1/8 oz, 1100, 1150, 1200 and 1235 fps. I have been using the 1150's in my 2 frame 12 ga with good success, do you think a steady diet of these will be ok or should I switch to an RST load? I see New Era gave up the battle recently so they're out. Curious about the experts opinion.
Thanks,
Chris

Could get a little expensive using RST, but certainly lighter on the gun.

I don't reload and use RST exclusively for both clays and upland hunting.

same here for the old guns, but then again - I don't shoot a lot of clays so that keeps the cost down.

As long as the barrels are in good condition and the stock is solid I can't possibly see how any of the Remington STS loads could possibly hurt that gun.

1 Oz. handloads with 800X

Remington STS hulls, Claybuster XXL wads, 7/8oz of #8s. I shoot them in an 8-1/2 pound VH 12 with 32" barrels, choked full and fuller. Like shooting a 22.

Best,

Mike

I reload 12,16,20 and 28 gauge. All light loads. I like the convenience of being able to taylor my loads. I shoot 1oz.in 12 gauge and 16 gauge. 3/4oz. in 20 and 28 gauge.

I have shot a lot of RST's though and for those that don't reload they are the way to go in my opinion.

All my 12ga target loads are 1oz 1150fps. Do an experiment and count the pellet difference between 1oz and 1-1/8oz in #8 shot. You'll be amazed at how few it is. You could shoot 1-1/8oz 1150fps loads in that gun 24/7 for yrs and not even loosen it up.

I shoot 7/8 oz 6000 PSI handloads for targets and nickle plated shot full boogie factory loads for pheasants!

For waterfowl I load moderate pressure short ten's with Nice Shot and shoot factory Kent Impact and Bismuth in 12 gauge.

I have used factory "promotional" 12 gauge rounds in 10 gauge Damascus with gauge mates with great success. The larger bore (11% surface area) will allow more room for the pressure to expand and produce somewhat less peak pressure. I'd shoot the same in a fluid steel Parker 10 gauge if I could ever find one within my limited price range... :)

The bottom line for me is for everyday shooting I keep the pressure and recoil low in 100+ year old guns. But for a few dozen shots at game each season I trust my Parkers (which are in good condition and have appropriate Minimum Barrel Wall Thickness) to safely shoot factory loads.

PS: If you do not handload I suggest visiting someone who does to watch and help. You might make a new friend and discover how fasinating loading your own ammo can be!!!

Mark