Ammunition Basics for Clay Shooting

Choosing the right ammunition affects both your performance and your wallet. Understanding shotshell components helps you make informed decisions without overcomplicating your shooting.

Keep it simple: For most recreational clay shooters, standard target loads work perfectly. Don't overthink ammunition until you're shooting competitively or troubleshooting specific issues.

Shotshell Components

Every shotshell contains the same basic components:

Hull

The plastic or paper case that holds everything together. Modern hulls are almost exclusively plastic.

Primer

The small metal cup at the base. When struck by the firing pin, it ignites the powder charge.

Powder

The propellant that burns rapidly, creating gas pressure to push the shot out of the barrel.

Wad

A plastic cup that separates the powder from the shot and protects the barrel. It falls away after leaving the muzzle.

Shot

The pellets that break the target. Made of lead (most common for clays), steel, bismuth, or tungsten. The number of pellets and their size determine the pattern.

Understanding Gauge

Gauge refers to the bore diameter. Counter-intuitively, smaller numbers mean larger bores:

Gauge	Bore Diameter	Typical Use
12 Gauge	.729"	Most popular for all clay sports. Maximum versatility.
20 Gauge	.615"	Less recoil. Popular with smaller shooters and sub-gauge events.
28 Gauge	.550"	Sub-gauge competition. Lighter recoil, smaller patterns.
.410 Bore	.410"	Challenging sub-gauge. Not recommended for beginners.

Shot Size

Shot size is designated by numbers—larger numbers mean smaller pellets:

Shot Size	Pellet Diameter	Pellets per Oz (Lead)	Best For
#7.5	.095"	~350	General sporting clays, trap singles
#8	.090"	~410	Skeet, close sporting clays targets
#8.5	.085"	~490	Skeet, very close targets
#9	.080"	~585	Close skeet, practice

Rule of thumb: #7.5 or #8 works for almost all clay shooting situations. Don't overthink shot size until you're competing at higher levels.

Shot Weight (Payload)

Shot weight is measured in ounces and affects pattern density:

7/8 oz: Light target loads. Less recoil, common in international competition.

1 oz: Standard target load. Good balance of pattern density and recoil.

1-1/8 oz: Heavy target load. Denser patterns, more recoil. Common for trap.

Velocity

Velocity is measured in feet per second (fps). Target loads typically range from 1,145 to 1,350 fps:

Standard Velocity (1,145-1,200 fps)

• Less recoil
• Easier on the shoulder for high-volume shooting
• Slightly less lead required

High Velocity (1,250-1,350 fps)

• More recoil
• Faster time to target
• Can affect pattern quality

Sport-Specific Recommendations

Sporting Clays

1 oz or 1-1/8 oz of #7.5 or #8 shot. Velocity preference varies. Many courses limit shot size to no larger than #7.5.

Trap

1-1/8 oz of #7.5 or #8 shot for singles. Handicap shooters often prefer #7.5 for the longer distances. ATA rules specify maximum 1-1/8 oz.

Skeet

1-1/8 oz (American) or 24 grams (International) of #8, #8.5, or #9. Smaller shot works well for close targets.

Five Stand

Same as sporting clays. 1 oz or 1-1/8 oz of #7.5 or #8.

Buying Tips

Buy in Bulk

Cases of 250 or 500 shells cost significantly less per round. If you shoot regularly, bulk buying saves money.

Check Club Rules

Some clubs require steel shot or limit shot size. Know the rules before buying.

Stick with Major Brands

Winchester, Federal, Remington, Fiocchi, and Rio produce reliable target ammunition. Off-brand shells can cause feeding issues.

Don't Chase the Latest Marketing

Premium shells rarely improve scores for recreational shooters. Standard target loads from reputable manufacturers work fine.

Cost Expectations

Target ammunition costs vary by quality and quantity:

Type	Price Range (per 25)
Economy Target Loads	$7-$9
Standard Target Loads	$9-$12
Premium Competition Loads	$12-$16

Prices as of 2024. Bulk purchases and club pricing may reduce costs significantly.

Ammunition Basics