What Ammo to Use?
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A common question is, “What type of ammunition do I need?” There is no single answer to that question. Ammunition can vary across several characteristics (shot type, shot size, muzzle velocity, powder charge, etc) and different characteristics work better for different shooters. Even so, there are some general things we can recommend. For 12 ga shotguns (which is what most of you will be using), most of you should get 2¾ inch shells, with a 2¾ to 3 Dr. Eq. powder charge, and a 1 or 1⅛ oz shot charge of #7½ or #8 size lead shot (make sure your gun accepts 2¾ inch shells). These characteristics are usually listed on the top and/or side of the box of ammo (see the example here). More details to think about are as follows:
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Use the Correct Gauge! First, if you’re using a 12 gauge (ga) shotgun, you should use 12 ga ammo. Similarly for 20 ga shotguns. Seems like a no-brainer, but we’ve seen people accidentally drop a 20 ga shell into a 12 ga shotgun (a BIG safety violation). You absolutely cannot use mismatched ammo! If you drop a 20 ga shell into a 12 ga barrel, stop immediately, keep your gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and get a coach!
Powder Charge. The powder charge or powder load is the amount of powder in each shell, measured in “Dr. Eq.,” which stands for Dram Equivalent and represents the amount of black powder that would be needed to propel the shot at the muzzle velocity listed on the ammo box. (We typically don't use black powder these days and, in fact, black powder loads are forbidden by ATA rules.) Generally speaking, a higher Dr. Eq. value will produce a higher muzzle velocity and, hence, greater recoil for the same size shot and shot load.
Shot Size. The shot size is the size of each pellet. Larger numbers indicate smaller pellets (yeah, weird). For trap, you're allowed to use #7½, #8, and #9 shot, but most people use either #7½ or #8. Some folks like to use #8 for calm days and #7½ for windy days, thinking the slightly larger, heavier pellets may resist the effects of wind better. Other folks stick with the same size all the time. Use what works best for you.
Shot Charge. The shot charge or shot load is the weight of the pellets contained in each shell, measured in ounces (oz), with 7/8 (seven eighths of an) oz being the minimum and 1⅛ oz the maximum allowed for trap. Smaller shot charges kick less (i.e., produce less "felt recoil") but throw fewer pellets at the target, with 1⅛ oz loads containing 12.5% more pellets that 1 oz loads. You decide how much lead you want to send after the target and how much recoil your shoulder can take.
Muzzle Velocity. Muzzle velocity is how fast the pellets are moving when they leave the muzzle of your gun, usually measured in feet per second (FPS), with 1350 FPS being the maximum allowed for trap, depending on the size of the shot charge (1350 FPS maximum for 7/8 oz, 1325 FPS for 1 oz, and 1290 FPS for 1⅛ oz).
Different Ammo for Different Distance? For short yardage shooting (i.e., 16 to 19 yards), many shooters prefer a 2¾ dram equivalent load with a muzzle velocity of 1145 FPS. For mid to long handicap shooting (i.e., 20 yards and farther), some shooters prefer a 3 dram equivalent load, with a muzzle velocity of 1200 FPS or higher. Other shooters use the same load at all distances. Smaller loads for smaller people are also fine. There’s no point to using ammo that will knock you back a step on each shot or bruise your shoulder. Use what works for you.
What Brand? Huge differences in performance across brands are mostly myths (at least in this coach's opinion), except perhaps for Olympic shooters. Use whatever suits your taste and your budget. The brand doesn’t matter as much as the shooter holding the gun. It’s what the shooter can do with the ammo that counts!
Reloading. Some shooters like to reload. Reloading shells is allowed and may reduce your cost of ammo. If you wish to reload you must speak with the Head Coach or an Assistant Coach to get approval, prior to using your reloads at practices or meets. You cannot use loads outside of the characteristics allowed by the ATA; i.e., do not overload shells! If you do that at a meet, you can be disqualified.
Disallowed Ammo. You are not allowed to use ammunition with the following characteristics.
Powder Charge. The powder charge or powder load is the amount of powder in each shell, measured in “Dr. Eq.,” which stands for Dram Equivalent and represents the amount of black powder that would be needed to propel the shot at the muzzle velocity listed on the ammo box. (We typically don't use black powder these days and, in fact, black powder loads are forbidden by ATA rules.) Generally speaking, a higher Dr. Eq. value will produce a higher muzzle velocity and, hence, greater recoil for the same size shot and shot load.
Shot Size. The shot size is the size of each pellet. Larger numbers indicate smaller pellets (yeah, weird). For trap, you're allowed to use #7½, #8, and #9 shot, but most people use either #7½ or #8. Some folks like to use #8 for calm days and #7½ for windy days, thinking the slightly larger, heavier pellets may resist the effects of wind better. Other folks stick with the same size all the time. Use what works best for you.
Shot Charge. The shot charge or shot load is the weight of the pellets contained in each shell, measured in ounces (oz), with 7/8 (seven eighths of an) oz being the minimum and 1⅛ oz the maximum allowed for trap. Smaller shot charges kick less (i.e., produce less "felt recoil") but throw fewer pellets at the target, with 1⅛ oz loads containing 12.5% more pellets that 1 oz loads. You decide how much lead you want to send after the target and how much recoil your shoulder can take.
Muzzle Velocity. Muzzle velocity is how fast the pellets are moving when they leave the muzzle of your gun, usually measured in feet per second (FPS), with 1350 FPS being the maximum allowed for trap, depending on the size of the shot charge (1350 FPS maximum for 7/8 oz, 1325 FPS for 1 oz, and 1290 FPS for 1⅛ oz).
Different Ammo for Different Distance? For short yardage shooting (i.e., 16 to 19 yards), many shooters prefer a 2¾ dram equivalent load with a muzzle velocity of 1145 FPS. For mid to long handicap shooting (i.e., 20 yards and farther), some shooters prefer a 3 dram equivalent load, with a muzzle velocity of 1200 FPS or higher. Other shooters use the same load at all distances. Smaller loads for smaller people are also fine. There’s no point to using ammo that will knock you back a step on each shot or bruise your shoulder. Use what works for you.
What Brand? Huge differences in performance across brands are mostly myths (at least in this coach's opinion), except perhaps for Olympic shooters. Use whatever suits your taste and your budget. The brand doesn’t matter as much as the shooter holding the gun. It’s what the shooter can do with the ammo that counts!
Reloading. Some shooters like to reload. Reloading shells is allowed and may reduce your cost of ammo. If you wish to reload you must speak with the Head Coach or an Assistant Coach to get approval, prior to using your reloads at practices or meets. You cannot use loads outside of the characteristics allowed by the ATA; i.e., do not overload shells! If you do that at a meet, you can be disqualified.
Disallowed Ammo. You are not allowed to use ammunition with the following characteristics.
- Loads that contain nickel or copper coated shot.
- Tracer loads (not to be confused with “tracker” ammo, which is fine).
- From the ATA Rules about what you cannot use: “Any load with a velocity greater than 1290 FPS (Feet Per Second) with maximum shot charge of 1 1/8 ounces, or 1325 FPS with a maximum shot charge of 1 ounce, or 1350 FPS with a maximum shot charge of 7/8 ounces or less, as measured in any individual shotshell. These velocities are maximum and no individual shotshell shall exceed these limits for the designated shot charge. In addition, no load containing more than 1 1/8 ounces or any shot larger than Number 7 1/2 can be used. Shot charges are maximum and no charge may exceed the charge amount by more than 3%. Steel shot in Number 7 will be acceptable as long as velocity criteria are the same as for lead shot shells.”