The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Shooting Trap with short barrel--what load?

PJR · August 7, 2000, 05:13 PM

Most short barrel guns have open chokes which makes trap a little tougher because the game favors tighter chokes. I shoot a lot of trap and have done it with shorter barrels but my scores do drop. My preferred load is 1-1/8 ounce of very hard shot because it patterns tighter.

Shooting trap with 3 inch magnum loads is for those a lot tougher than me. I'd be ready to pack it in after one round. Secondly, I probably wouldn't want to shoot beside someone with 3" shells and an 18" barrel. It's a lot louder combination than the typical trapgun.

Incidentally, check to make sure you can use the larger pellet, 3" shells on your local trap field. Shot fall zones often require limits on shot size and shell power. Quite often clay target ranges limit the shells to nothing bigger than 3-1/4 dram, 1-1/8 ounce #7-1/2.

August 7, 2000, 05:13 PM	#4
PJR Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2000 Posts: 1,127	Most short barrel guns have open chokes which makes trap a little tougher because the game favors tighter chokes. I shoot a lot of trap and have done it with shorter barrels but my scores do drop. My preferred load is 1-1/8 ounce of very hard shot because it patterns tighter. Shooting trap with 3 inch magnum loads is for those a lot tougher than me. I'd be ready to pack it in after one round. Secondly, I probably wouldn't want to shoot beside someone with 3" shells and an 18" barrel. It's a lot louder combination than the typical trapgun. Incidentally, check to make sure you can use the larger pellet, 3" shells on your local trap field. Shot fall zones often require limits on shot size and shell power. Quite often clay target ranges limit the shells to nothing bigger than 3-1/4 dram, 1-1/8 ounce #7-1/2.