Using game load for trap

Well, for "fooling around at the trap range" it is ok, but for any ATA or other competition that goes by ATA rules you can't.

ATA rules set a max velocity and game loads are usually over it.

Also, you mention 7 1/2 shot which is good but other game loads (6, 5, 4, etc) cannot be used as most trap ranges have a sign up specifying 7 1/2 shot or smaller.

Using 1 oz loads also handicaps you a bit since you have 1/8 oz less shot than a normal trap load, but it's not that big a deal.

And other than you are beating yourself up with more recoil than necessary, it shouldn't be a problem to use them in a non-competitive manner
 
most trap clubs wont like it if you shoot game loads but if your thinkin of goin out the bush or just having fun, why not! but then trap loads are much cheaper then shootin game loads
 
most trap clubs wont like it if you shoot game loads but if your thinkin of goin out the bush or just having fun, why not! but then trap loads are much cheaper then shootin game loads

Have never witnessed that one before. As long as it is lead shot and for fun why would a club care. Even seen guys using cheap guns doing it;)
Many guys use up old lead shells this way especially ones originally designed for waterfowl hunting but no longer legal. I know that is where all of my 10ga lead went so I could get the hulls to reload steel most of them were BB.
 
Many guys use up old lead shells this way especially ones originally designed for waterfowl hunting but no longer legal. I know that is where all of my 10ga lead went so I could get the hulls to reload steel most of them were BB.
Reminds me of last fall. There was a guy shooting skeet at the club using old Imperial high brass 1-1/4 loads of 7-1/2's to burn them up. He was shooting a model 12 (IIRC) with a butt plate and no recoil pad. When he touched one off, you knew it was him and when he hit a bird there was nothing left but inkballs:eek:
 
Thank you for replies. It sounds like the pattern is completely different due size and softness of the load so I'll skip it.

Your original question was to use field loads of 1 oz of 7-1/2's for trap. The speed will be to high for registered competition, but for casual shooting your pattern will be just fine. Your shots will be a little louder and you will feel more recoil. If you already have 'em, shoot them and enjoy. If you are looking to buy, skip the field loads and get some of the cheap target loads available. Less recoil and most likely cheaper. Either way enjoy:D
 
Yes, actually you can. It all depends on the load and speed...
1 1/8 oz, max speed is 1290 FPS
1 oz, max speed 1325 FPS
7/8 oz or less 1350 FPS

This from the ATA rule book.

That's for registered shoots, and I have seen a few RO's try to refuse a person permission to use a 10 on a trap field, but if it's only practice and not a registered shoot it shouldn't matter a lick.
Cat
 
It all depends on the range. I could not see any range giving you problems with 7 1/2 field loads on practice nights. However change that to any larger shot size and you could have pellets landing outside the "shotfall" zone, a big no no that can shut down some clubs as they do not have the room for a larger zone!!
 
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