Thoughts on pellet counts for clays?

[todd allen]

I would give the advantage to the number 8 shot. Pattern density/coverage = more odds of a kill.
As for the 3 dimensional shot cluster: The shot is going so much faster than the target that the whole column has passed through or by the target in an instant, making the pattern results quite two dimensional.
You could do the math on this.
Target is traveling at say, 35 - 50 MPH
Shot is traveling at, let's say 1000 FPS, or 682 MPH
I'm not going to go through the whole exercise, but the target, even at 50 MPH, has moved very little vs. the 682 MPH of the shot.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by todd allen

I would give the advantage to the number 8 shot. Pattern density/coverage = more odds of a kill.
As for the 3 dimensional shot cluster: The shot is going so much faster than the target that the whole column has passed through or by the target in an instant, making the pattern results quite two dimensional.
You could do the math on this.
Target is traveling at say, 35 - 50 MPH
Shot is traveling at, let's say 1000 FPS, or 682 MPH
I'm not going to go through the whole exercise, but the target, even at 50 MPH, has moved very little vs. the 682 MPH of the shot.

Well, I will disagree on the 2-D regarding speed of the pattern. The tests were done years ago and there is such a difference between the length/spread of the shot column at one point in time that it does make a difference.

Just have to face it, the 91/100 shooter is not as good as the 96/100 shooter no matter whether the charge is 7/8 or 1 oz. I'd put my $$ on Harry.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by todd allen

I would give the advantage to the number 8 shot. Pattern density/coverage = more odds of a kill.
As for the 3 dimensional shot cluster: The shot is going so much faster than the target that the whole column has passed through or by the target in an instant, making the pattern results quite two dimensional.
You could do the math on this.
Target is traveling at say, 35 - 50 MPH
Shot is traveling at, let's say 1000 FPS, or 682 MPH
I'm not going to go through the whole exercise, but the target, even at 50 MPH, has moved very little vs. the 682 MPH of the shot.

A re-read of Bob Brister might help. I do believe there is a factor with target speed there. I'm not a great shot, but I know a few really talented shooters. NONE of them pattern to count pellets, they only use a plate for checking barrel regulation and POI. One is an older gentleman who was on the 2004 Olympic trap team who said you get more benefit from a HIGH QUALITY nickel plated factory load and being on target than you ever will from counting pellets and trying to predict patterns. I think as a whole the Europeans are better at realizing this than we are. Can't say I would disagree with simplification. Back to the original question, FOR ME, I would choose a slightly higher pellet count to offset my suckage, whether it matters or not who knows.