Best 20 gauge load for clays?

Hank15 · September 10, 2009, 04:24 PM

What's the best 20 gauge load for clays (2 3/4" only, modified choke)?

It will mainly be used for trap and occasionally skeet.

BigJimP · September 10, 2009, 04:42 PM

I shoot 7/8 oz of 8's at about 1225 fps - as my primary 20ga load for Skeet and Sporting clays. Even in a 12ga I rarely shoot anything except a 1 oz load.

8's are a compromise shell - pretty good out to about 40 yards / and you don't give up that much density even on shots at 15 - 20 yards.

zippy13 · September 10, 2009, 04:48 PM

Ditto on BigJimP's load, except for skeet I drop the velocity to 1175 or 1200 and use smaller shot.

BigJimP · September 10, 2009, 05:13 PM

Yes, but I have a "bionic" shoulder now ....once all the scar tissue and bruises heal ....

oneounceload · September 10, 2009, 05:35 PM

I'm more like Zippy - make it 7/8 oz number 8's running around 1150 to 1200 - nothing more is needed. Lot of folks I know, in an effort to save some bucks are dropping down to 3/4oz in 20 (basically a 28 gauge load) - they say the load is working great

September 10, 2009, 04:24 PM	#1
Hank15 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2009 Location: California Posts: 437	Best 20 gauge load for clays? What's the best 20 gauge load for clays (2 3/4" only, modified choke)? It will mainly be used for trap and occasionally skeet.

September 10, 2009, 04:42 PM	#2
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I shoot 7/8 oz of 8's at about 1225 fps - as my primary 20ga load for Skeet and Sporting clays. Even in a 12ga I rarely shoot anything except a 1 oz load. 8's are a compromise shell - pretty good out to about 40 yards / and you don't give up that much density even on shots at 15 - 20 yards.

September 10, 2009, 04:48 PM	#3
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Ditto on BigJimP's load, except for skeet I drop the velocity to 1175 or 1200 and use smaller shot.

September 10, 2009, 05:13 PM	#4
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Yes, but I have a "bionic" shoulder now ....once all the scar tissue and bruises heal ....

September 10, 2009, 05:35 PM	#5
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	I'm more like Zippy - make it 7/8 oz number 8's running around 1150 to 1200 - nothing more is needed. Lot of folks I know, in an effort to save some bucks are dropping down to 3/4oz in 20 (basically a 28 gauge load) - they say the load is working great