TRAP LOADS
 

I'm looking for some advice on some trap loads?
I'm looking for a load that does about 1250f.p.s.-1300f.p.s.
I shoot 16yds. and handicap which averages out to 23-25 yards sometimes more when were on a role.
Right now I use a MEC steelmaster loader with the #28 bushing,titewad powder by hodgen,winchester 209 primers,and 7 1/2 shot.I mostly use Remington STS hulls and clay buster wads 4 and 8 peddle. (not sure if 8 peddle is real nessesary)I also have been using a full choke.
I open to any suggestions and or warnings.
Thanks,tow2atm

RE: TRAP LOADS
 

we use 16gr of 700x with a WAA wad and 1 1/8oz of shot...
I want to say it's a 27 bushing, but I wouldn't swear to it... I'd have to go look and I don't feel like tearing out my charge bar at the moment.. maybe the next time I clean the press...

anyway, it should net you just under 1150 fps muzzle...

RE: TRAP LOADS
 

Get some Hodgdon Longshot, that powder will give you the loads you want. Go to hodgdon's website for reloading data. It is all right there.

RE: TRAP LOADS
 

cant tell you the best load for what you want but a bit of friendly advice from experince for 16 yard line use a 1150 load will help from developing a flinch but something that may help pick up a few birds even at the 25 use a modified choke unless your gun is like mine and a fixed full everyone told me to use a full when i got my new gun so i got a fixed choke it works great from the 27 but i did drop a few on 16

RE: TRAP LOADS
 

STICK SHOOTER 78

Personally I think this is really good advice, the right velocity the right choke for 16 to 20 yards - I would add if you get and opportunity try some 8 1/2 shot.

RE: TRAP LOADS
 

Speed is not as important as pattern density. You don't want a load that blows holes in your string. Have you patterned your loads to be sure this is not happening? I used to shoot a LOT of trap, and the load that worked best for me, even with "yardage" as well as 16 yds. was 17.5 gr. of 700X, Rem. RXP wads, #209 Win. primers, and 7 1/2 shot, 1 1/8 oz. All stuffed into AA hulls through my MEC 650.
I haven't loaded this for many years, as my interest took different turns. I don't know if RXP wads are still available. If not, AA wads should work also. Just check your shot column height.
Keep poppin' at them------it's a great shooting sport!!!!!!

RE: TRAP LOADS
 

The 8 peddle claybuster wads are windjammer clones. They are one of my favorites.
I do not care for the high velocity 3+ dramloads for serious Trap shooting. For me they lead to flinching problems.
You mentioned that you are looking for the right bushing. I have found thebushing charts to be HIGHLY UNRELIABLE. A 1250 to 1300 fps load is a hot load.
I would STRONGLY recomend that you purchase a reloading scale and bracket ALL chart recomendations 2 above and 2 below what a chart says. I learned this the hard way with my MEC 9000G. Do not go for a hot load without verifying the charge using a powder scale.
Most of the claybuster buster wads come with a reloading info flyer inside the bag of wads.
The first load I would try for a high velocity 1 1/8 oz load would be a load using Alliant UNIQUE or Hodgdon International Clays. I would avoid the new Win AA Shells for hot reloads. Go with the STS hulls.
Check out the Alliant and Hodgdon web sites for reloading info. I have couple reloading manuals, and high perfomance loads are listed, but not for the claybuster wads. I would advise you not to swap components (hulls, wad & primer) from pressure tested loads published.
More than one money / turkey shooter has blown up his shotgun EVERY year using homebrewed hot loads for one reason or the other. This can be confirmed by doing a search on www.trapshooters.com .

D-squared

RE: TRAP LOADS
 

I think you have a fine load there. Titewad is good stuff. Have you chronied the load? Anything around 1200'/sec is fine. Regards, Rick.

RE: TRAP LOADS
 

I dont have access to a chronograph. Maybe I'll just stick with what I got set up now. I like the Titewad powder cause it seems to burn pretty clean. I also have my press set up for STS hulls I think the AA are a hair longer. At least thats what it looks like after I crimp a few of them.
Would I see a differance in anything if I used a differant primer?
I guess I'm not sure why I was looking for a differant load, I guess I wanted to try something differant and wanted to see what other people are using.
Thanks for the info!
tow2atm