[E.J.W.]

Ok. first things first. I've been a metalic cartridge reloader for 20+ years.
So I do know a little about the process.

Just today I took the plunge and ordered a MEC shotshell loader to feed my trapshooting addiction.

I am a fan of Hogdon powder so I went to their website and printed some "Clays" recipes. Knowing which hull, powder, wad and shot weight I will be using, I plotted my way across the chart to the powder charge required.
This is where I got confused.
The suggested powder charge is 17.7 gr. On the MEC bushing chart at the Hogdon site there seems to be no bushing made that will throw exactly 17.7gr. The closest one is #32 at 17.5gr. If I change only the wad to a different one then a similar load requires exactly 17.5gr.
Is this what I am supposed to do? Find a recipe that exactly matches a bushing's given charge? If so then why are there so many loads listed that there are no bushings made to throw those exact charges?

Please shed some light for me. Thanks E.