Shot size for clays

[Beaner1976]

I got myself a Winchester Super-X1 for all around use. My SX1 has a cut down 24" open choke barrel. It never misses a beat however and I enjoy the shorter barrel in the bush. Just not sure what size shot I should use for clay with such a short and open choked barrel. Figure it would spread quickly so a different shot might be needed. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Covey Ridge]

Your bubba'd up SX-1 is only good for what a cylinder choke is good for. Most target sized shot will work well for skeet type target distance and marginal for any trap type distance. I would use only the smaller target shot to fill in the spaces in the pattern at longer ranges. Should work well for hand thrown targets. Unless your thrower is the incredible hulk your pattern will be optimum for hand thrown targets.

 

[ben hunchak]

I agree, your cutdown barrel will not do as well at targets 25 yds or beyond and you are handicapping yourself when shooting at clay birds beyond that. Most sporting clays and 5 stand setups include longer shots, and your best compromise would be #8 size shot.

 

[Beaner1976]

Ok I understand guys. I'll try different size shot anyway to see which is ideal. It is mainly a slug gun now although for partridge last year it worked fine. Wanted to get into clay shooting so might as well hunt down a new barrel for her. thanx

 

[Big Dune]

i usually use #8 for trap @ 16 yrds and for sporting clays, #7 1/2 for trap @ 27 yrds, and #9 for skeet

 

[DATAM]

#8 and 71/2 best all round for trap and clays, don't worry about open choke either. With todays ammo most of the big name shotshells create a pretty tight pattern. Some cylinder bore short barreled guns (21 inches or less) may throw loose patterns, but anything over 24 inches is good enough to be called a normal sized barrel in my opinion.

( I have shot trap and hunted ducks and pheasant with cylinder and improved cylinder bore guns)

 

[ben hunchak]

When a flying clay bird is flat(edge on) it has a very small area for the pellets to hit, much smaller then a game bird, it takes more then a pellet or two to break them and thin patterns at 30 or 40 yds may not cut it. If unsure of this theory, take a look at alot of "whole targets" downrange, ones that were called "losses", many birds will have a hole or two in them and did not break. It would be frustrating to be "on" the birds, but not break some because of thin patterns. Shotgunners(competitive ones) know that you don't not want any kind of "doubt" creeping into your mind, and this could create doubt.

 

[smokem all]

Look for another barrel. Your short barrel should be ok for skeet... which is very fun, but for single tap and doubles, like everyone is saying, your short barrel will only frustrate you. There is other reasons for the longer barrel and that is swing, ballance, and helps with recoil. Most common for trap would be 30 and 32".