[Andy]

Originally Posted by Kevin McCormack

The birds contain a higher clay content and are fired (baked) at a higher temperature than standard trap & skeet targets in order to survive the increased acceleration rate and higher launch velocity of international trap machines. A bird may "wobble" from the blast of a shot charge passing it, but a truly erratic flight path is the result of a trap malfunction and in registered competition should be called a "no target."

Anyone shooting #9 shot in bunker competition has already won a medal for pissing into the wind: the key to breaking long-range targets in bunker is a high velocity load of high-antimony content # 7 1/2 shot, plated shot is even better. The Italians brought over regulation competition loads for the annual Grand Prix at Ontelaunee that were within the 7/8 oz. limit for shot weight, but approached the velocity of steel shot waterfowl loads using an Oehler chronograph at the range. The notorious "Melior Meteors" clocked out at close to 1400 fps at 1 meter from the muzzle. "Fast targets, fast shot."

Frank's chokes and XF tubes won't help you if you're using Wally World ballistic profile ammo; this most demanding of all shotgun games requires specifically designed ammo for reliable and consistent results in competition.

Agree 100%. I