This column has often explored the idea that optimum sporting clays loads don’t need to follow manufacturers’ traditional ideas for factory sporting shotshells. That is, there’s really no reason to be stuck on heavy sporting loads traveling at 1,200- to 1,250-fps velocities. Definitions, please? Okay. There’s no reason, except for the very longest sporting stations—those throwing clays beyond 40 yards—that any shooter needs a 1 1/8- or even 1-oz. lead load to successfully shoot sporting. And before we’re done with part two of this column next issue, the same will go for traditional 7/8-oz., 20-ga. and 3/4-oz., 28-ga. loads. All of these loadings at 1,145- to 1,250-fps velocity levels have been served up to sporting clays shooters for years as standard ammunition.
I have presented in detail in previous columns why anything more than 7/8 oz. of lead shot is unnecessary to break most sporting targets, regardless of clay target brand and target type. The fact is, a mere 7/8 oz. lead shot charge of No. 8s or 7 1/2s will nicely break all clays on every course if they are taken at less than 40-yard distances. And of the two pellet sizes, 7 1/2s are the most reliable for target breaking.
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Conservation
In Search Of The Origin
Darwin’s theories are controversial to this day, particularly as they deal with a time continuum of multi-millions of years and the implication that humans, like every other organism on earth, are the result of evolution.
Shooter Profile
Montie Sims
Texas is famous for producing more than its share of larger-than-life characters, but Montie sticks out even in this idiosyncratic state.
Shotguns
Blaser F3 Revisited
The checkering, sort of round knobs instead of diamonds, is different but attractive and well done.
Wingshooting
See It, Believe It, Shoot It
Matching lens tints to make targets brighter and dampen distractions in the flight line’s background is as important as starting low gun, head up to afford maximum view of the target.
Target Tactics
It's All About Geometry
As the target moves along its path, the picture needed to hit it is changing constantly.
Ballistics
Low Cost Sporting Reloads—Part 1
Light lead loads assembled with a careful choice of components can save reloaders significant dollars on their ammunition costs.
Sporting Road
Far More Than Pheasants
Brian Beckstead guided the author and his wife to super rainbow trout fishing within view of the Falcon’s Ledge “castle.”
Editors Notes
Letter From The Editor
Extreme exercise can condition the mind as well as the body to better fire on all cylinders.
