"Low recoil" shells

Random Citizen

Random Citizen

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Is "low recoil" code for "target load" ? I ask because I've been told that semi-auto shotguns don't play well with low load (like target load) shells.

For the record, I've got a Panzer Arms M4.
 
Random Citizen said:
Is "low recoil" code for "target load" ? I ask because I've been told that semi-auto shotguns don't play well with low load (like target load) shells.

For the record, I've got a Panzer Arms M4.
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Low recoil means less power to cycle the action. You'll have to test them and see but generally if it's slugs or buck it will be fine.

Some of the weak target loads may not cycle though. Depends on the gun.
 
The low recoil shells have a use case for vintage guns that a person wants to baby a bit, meaning that the stock gets less of an impulse and is less likely to fracture. Also they are very good for introducing someone to the shooting sports or for those of slighter build or anyone with shoulder problems or if working through a tendency to flinch.
Looking at the velocity of the two brands above I would think the Kent would cycle fine in autoloaders. The Winchester perhaps not. Both are sub 1-oz loads but the Kent has an advantage of not requiring greater lead on targets vs. regular cartridges. Finding either of them in stock is problematic though. More reason to reload your own 12 ga. even though many people claim "it's not worth it for 12 or 20". Definitely worth it if you want to load light. I mean, depending on the volume that you want to shoot.
 
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I love these in the sxs, as londonshooter said. In any fixed-breech gun, actually. They behave more like the traditional loads and pattern great. I don't see the utility as much for an autoloader because those guns are "lower-recoil" by nature.
 
canvasback said:
I have a ton of the Kent. I have some of the Win.
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When I watched you shoot sporting clays with those subsonic Winchesters, James, I definitely noticed lower noise. There was also an appreciable difference in time following the longer shots that your birds would break compared to those of us that were shooting zippier loads.
You were wise to load up on Kent when you did I think. Likewise with your stock of nontoxic cartridges.
For 90% of my shooting in 12 ga. I'm loading my own 1 oz at 1100 fps for clays and upland. Same load whether the (high barrel condition) gun is proofed for nitro or not. Some of them I cut down for short chambers but most of my guns that have nominal 2 1/2" chambers can still be used with folded-crimp plastic hulls that are nominally 2 3/4". I buy the odd flat or two of 1 1/8 oz target shells to shoot through more modern guns (and also to restock my supply of hulls for reloading from time to time)
 
Londonshooter said:
When I watched you shoot sporting clays with those subsonic Winchesters, James, I definitely noticed lower noise. There was also an appreciable difference in time following the longer shots that your birds would break compared to those of us that were shooting zippier loads.
You were wise to load up on Kent when you did I think. Likewise with your stock of nontoxic cartridges.
For 90% of my shooting in 12 ga. I'm loading my own 1 oz at 1100 fps for clays and upland. Same load whether the (high barrel condition) gun is proofed for nitro or not. Some of them I cut down for short chambers but most of my guns that have nominal 2 1/2" chambers can still be used with folded-crimp plastic hulls that are nominally 2 3/4". I buy the odd flat or two of 1 1/8 oz target shells to shoot through more modern guns (and also to restock my supply of hulls for reloading from time to time)
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John I think your advice about the use of those Wins is spot on. Great for flinch. Great for new shooters. I bought what I have before I knew about the Kent, just because pressure was so low. But they are sooooo slow! Haha.

I have tried to stay away from reloading but with the general rise in pricing even just on basic 12 ga, never mind 2 1/2" low pressure or ton tox I am kinda rethinking that. But I still have lots and not shooting much because of the eye.

Happy New Year!
 
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