#9 Shot

I've picked up many targets with several chips and holes in them that did not break. 410 is the most common for it. #8 seems to always make the break

Just courious Have you patterned the gun with both?? I have had some real interesting patterns with some over the years to the point prior to the choke tube days I would order in a new barrel.
Then again those were the times every bird counted to me not like today when it is all just for fun
Are they using the bio targets by any chance

To the OP if you are a club member it is real strange they don't have some ammo to sell
Even here they do that and it is probally the smallest club or close to in canada
Cheers
 
We got rid of those crappy bio targets. My guns are all patterned well. Just if the head or tail end of the pattern swipes the target with only 2-3 pellets sometimes the #9 won't break the bird. You can clearly see that it was pushed in the air. #8 seems to break them better.
 
We got rid of those crappy bio targets. My guns are all patterned well. Just if the head or tail end of the pattern swipes the target with only 2-3 pellets sometimes the #9 won't break the bird. You can clearly see that it was pushed in the air. #8 seems to break them better.

Cool. If it works for you that is what is important. Cheers
 
At the distance skeet is shot, it matters very little what size shot is being used. Yes, No. 9 will definitely break targets at skeet ranges. No 9 has a theoretical higher chance of breaking targets at the fringe of your pattern.
I practice skeet non competitive with full choke only. My aim is to hit the clay target with the centre of my pattern. Yes I miss more targets that way, so what if self improvement is the end result.
 
A bit of history here might help. Years ago it was required to use #9 for skeet, that rule hasn't been in place for a while now but some perceptions take time to change. In 12ga, it probably won't make an ounce of difference, in smaller bores 28 &.410 for instance it may be an advantage to have the higher pellet count.
 
I reload 12,16,20 ,28 and 410. I use only #9 shot. I'm frugal and want every pellet I can get for my money. In the smaller guages ,I want more pellets per shot weight. I'm very happy with my patterns and hits.My favorite load is my 3/4 oz 20ga load.525 loads per 25lb bag of #9 shot. Thats under $5 a box. That works for this scotsman.
 
# 8 are no handicap in 12 and 20 ga skeet but the extra pellets of #9 shot are definitely worthwhile in 28 and 410. You would never find a AA class competitor using anything but #9 in the 28 and 410 events. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot my 28 ga practice with #8 if the # 9 shot was hard to get for my reloads.
 
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