I just got a semi auto 12ga and I need to learn how to shoot it. I have shot it 48 times now, chuckle. Our R&G has a trap range so I do have someplace to shoot. I also purchased a MEC 600jr and have loaded a couple of boxes. Since I'm retired, time isn't an issue. So my question is how many rounds would be good practice. One box or two ? More?
Rookie Trap Question
- Thread starter downwindtracker2
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I usually shoot 3-4 boxes at my weekly practice. When I was competing it was usually six boxes every time I went. As a beginner try to get a little basic coaching at your club to help you get the most value out of your practice. As long as you are practicing with purpose the more you practice the quicker you will advance but if you get tired your results will suffer and your efforts are wasted.
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
A lot of it depends on what you would like to achieve. If your just out having a bit of fun once in a while then thats one thing but if you plan to compete then thats another thing altogether. Either way, lots of practice is good but lots of quality practice is much better. Like Ashcroft says, get some good coaching to start with. A couple of rounds (two boxes) might be lots for the first few times out but after that you'll need to do more if your to ever get good at it.
Thank you. No, I don't want to compete. I'm too old to learn that level of skill.That takes talent as well as practice. But I expect of myself to be competent with a gun. I reload rifle cartridges, so it's natural to reload shotgun shells
So you shoot 1000 targets and you start understanding how your gun fits and how to break them. Then you shoot another 1000 targets and actually start feeling what you are doing. Then you shoot another 1000 targets with your new shotgun that does exactly what you want and you are set.
Also- reloading shells is a lot different than reloading brass. Stick to the published loads and don't substitute components without very careful research.
Also- reloading shells is a lot different than reloading brass. Stick to the published loads and don't substitute components without very careful research.
Thank you again, guys. It looks like I will have some practicing to do. If I had a Turkish O/U , I would wear it out, chuckle, before I got even an acceptable shot.
Don't worry about my reloading. I have read Lymans #5 a few times and I take my loads from Hodgdons. A 12ga shotgun Max is 11,500 psi. Loads are listed at 10,000psi . A bad crimp or a different primer can add 2,000psi.
Don't worry about my reloading. I have read Lymans #5 a few times and I take my loads from Hodgdons. A 12ga shotgun Max is 11,500 psi. Loads are listed at 10,000psi . A bad crimp or a different primer can add 2,000psi.
The real issue with shotgun reloading is the economics. Target loads by the flat are cheap, it's hard to save money especially if you value your time.
But they're like $8 a box at Cabelas on sale. Probably even cheaper elsewhere?
And is $2 a box accurate? Someone with more experience than I will have to answer that one, I haven't priced it out in years.
If I was retired I would value my time a lot. You only get so much of it after all.
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
You can likely save $2/box over the cost of AA or STS factory ammo but certainly not the cheap loads, and the cheap loads are plenty good enough for what you want to do.
Actually, in regards to $10/box then you probably can save $2/box but most of the clubs I belong to give memebers a better deal on ammo than that.
Actually, in regards to $10/box then you probably can save $2/box but most of the clubs I belong to give memebers a better deal on ammo than that.
Well - If one derives satisfaction from reloading, then hard economics dont necessarily govern. OP - I have trouble discerning your original post. If you are asking how many rounds of trap are required to become reasonably proficient, the answer is - it depends. Some folks are naturals and are getting 75% hits after a few rounds, some are shooting 10% hits after a season of shooting. You can only find out by trying. However, you can make your learning curve as efficient as possible by seeking advise from the more knowledgeable shooters at your club. Some clubs even have teaching professionals. A good lesson can save a lot of wasted ammo.
Yeah my specialty is poorly worded and long winded questions. But the original question was how many boxes is a good practice session, but then thread morphed into how rounds to become proficient . Both answers were appreciated . The second was a bonus. Now it's the economics of reloading.
OK - In answer to your original question - most folks at our club shoot 2 or 3 rounds at a given session. (We have shoots twice a week.) I find that my scores deteriorate past a couple of rounds, likely due to recoil sensitivity. So I'm better off attending both weekly sessions and shooting less per session.
I was going to say this too, practice is only good.. if it's good practice. You could go to the range with a trunkload of shells, but if you can only focus or tolerate 50 shots, then that's about where you'll want to start, as there isn't much point reinforcing bad habits or developing a flinch.
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As many as you can afford! LOL The more the better IMO but I LOVE the smell of burnt powder and the sight of a clay target turning to smoke. My wife and I shoot two evenings a week all summer and most times I shoot 2 to 4 boxes per session and occasionally as many as 8 whereas she tends to find two boxes per session enough for her. She shoots fairly well two to three rounds but a 4th her scores drop off as she tires a bit. Same in registered shooting. I watch her at the shoots and when I see her starting to drop targets I give her a little pep talk between rounds and it usually boosts her final round. Trap is a game of focus and stamina, the more you condition yourself the better you'll shoot.
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If it's a hot summer day, my scores often fade as the rounds increase, the same when shooting in winter, but with comfortable conditions , my scores may increase with more rounds. The more comfortable and relaxed I am, the better I tend to shoot. I usually shoot 1 ounce 12 gauge loads for trap and sporting clays, and 28 gauge and 410 for skeet, so recoil doesn't cause as much fatigue, as the heavier recoiling rounds do.
