Magazine Review TRAP & FIELD – JULY – 2021 Ian Darroch gives out advice on shotshell loads this month. Honestly, it is obvious to most experienced shooters, but to novices this could be good info. For Singles, 1145-
1150 fps for 1 1/8th oz., and 8 shot or 1180 fps for 1 oz., 8’s. Use the same shell for the first shot in Doubles. Second shot in Doubles is whatever gives you confidence. Many shooters shoot the second shot with those same 1 1/8th oz., 8’s as in Singles. I shoot a 1200 fps 1 1/8th oz., 7 ½ shot for the second shot. Calm days I use 8’s for the second shot.
As for Handicap Ian suggests 1200 fps, 1 1/8th oz., 7 ½’s for shooters closer than the 23-yard line. After that Ian likes to switch to the 1235-1250 fps Handicap loads. These Handicap specific loads have harder lead which is better for distance shooting. Finally, as to cheap off-brand shells, for Sin-
gles they’re fine, but you see the difference when you step back to shoot Handicap targets.
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