What's everyone using for ammo these days?

[Chris T.]

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

[edgarspencer]

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

[Dean Romig]

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

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

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.

[Dennis]

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.

[Big D]

1 Oz. handloads with 800X

[Autumn Daze]

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.

[AmarilloMike]

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

[Richard Flanders]

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.

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

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