Question about light shotgun loads - The Firearms Forum

RickYoung · 06-01-2009, 09:51 PM

Hello,
I'm a newbie to shotgun shooting. I won a Stoeger Classic single-shot 12G shotgun. I thought I was just supporting the local highschool shooting club, who knew I'd be lucky too??

Anyway, I want to introduce my wife to shotgun shooting and I need some advice about shotgun loads.

The shotgun is chambered for 3" shells. Any recommendations for light/target loads to start out with?

Terry_P · 06-03-2009, 07:42 PM

My first suggestion is that you buy a shotshell reloading manual like a Lyman as they also have the process and safety considerations in addition to loads.

I shoot Win 2 3/4" AA's Hulls, Win 209 primer, with 17 gr of Alliant Clay Dot Powder, a WAA12 wad and 1 1/8 Oz of shot. That is my standard skeet load. That load is available on the Alliant web site but I really think a manual is the beginning point. You can reduce recoil by using less lead but that will require a whole new set of components. What do you have for a loader?

If you are looking for just ammo to shoot then look for something that is rated 2 3/4 dram or if you can find it less.

JLA · 06-03-2009, 07:56 PM

factory ammo: remington sts target (gold hulls), also winchester AA reduced recoil (handicap printed on the box)... if you hand load: pretty much any light target data using 1 oz of shot in the 12 ga 2 3/4" data section. My wife is 5' 1" and while she does not preferr the 12 ga due to its weight (she shoots a rem. 870 youth 20 ga.) she can manage quite well 1 oz. target loads in the 12 ga.

RickYoung · 06-04-2009, 06:22 PM

Thanks for the info. I've done a lot of reloading for my pistols. Hadn't thought about loading shotgun shells.

armedandsafe · 06-04-2009, 09:41 PM

I use the Lee LoadAll to do up brass shells for my 16 Ga. It works very well and is good for a couple of boxes a week or month. If you are going to be using the loader for shooting a few hundred rounds a month, then you will want one of the bigger, faster reloaders.

Pops

Contenderizer · 06-05-2009, 04:02 PM

Welcome Rick, and congrats on winning the Stoeger. JLA's suggestions are good ones, but also consider a box of Cowboy Action shot shells to start. They are very light loads and might be just the ticket for training. The perceived recoil on single shot 12 ga guns can be brutal, depending upon the stock configuration. So, try it yourself first - so you don't turn your wife off to shooting.

06-01-2009, 09:51 PM	#1
RickYoung Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	Question about light shotgun loads Hello, I'm a newbie to shotgun shooting. I won a Stoeger Classic single-shot 12G shotgun. I thought I was just supporting the local highschool shooting club, who knew I'd be lucky too?? Anyway, I want to introduce my wife to shotgun shooting and I need some advice about shotgun loads. The shotgun is chambered for 3" shells. Any recommendations for light/target loads to start out with? -->

06-03-2009, 07:42 PM	#2
Terry_P Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NH Posts: 2,513	Re: Question about light shotgun loads My first suggestion is that you buy a shotshell reloading manual like a Lyman as they also have the process and safety considerations in addition to loads. I shoot Win 2 3/4" AA's Hulls, Win 209 primer, with 17 gr of Alliant Clay Dot Powder, a WAA12 wad and 1 1/8 Oz of shot. That is my standard skeet load. That load is available on the Alliant web site but I really think a manual is the beginning point. You can reduce recoil by using less lead but that will require a whole new set of components. What do you have for a loader? If you are looking for just ammo to shoot then look for something that is rated 2 3/4 dram or if you can find it less. __________________ NRA and NAHC Life "Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms." -Aristotle Last edited by Terry_P; 06-03-2009 at 07:45 PM..

06-03-2009, 07:56 PM	#3
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: Question about light shotgun loads factory ammo: remington sts target (gold hulls), also winchester AA reduced recoil (handicap printed on the box)... if you hand load: pretty much any light target data using 1 oz of shot in the 12 ga 2 3/4" data section. My wife is 5' 1" and while she does not preferr the 12 ga due to its weight (she shoots a rem. 870 youth 20 ga.) she can manage quite well 1 oz. target loads in the 12 ga. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

06-04-2009, 06:22 PM	#4
RickYoung Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	Re: Question about light shotgun loads Thanks for the info. I've done a lot of reloading for my pistols. Hadn't thought about loading shotgun shells.

06-04-2009, 09:41 PM	#5
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: Question about light shotgun loads I use the Lee LoadAll to do up brass shells for my 16 Ga. It works very well and is good for a couple of boxes a week or month. If you are going to be using the loader for shooting a few hundred rounds a month, then you will want one of the bigger, faster reloaders. Pops

06-05-2009, 04:02 PM	#6
Contenderizer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North-Central Florida, USA Posts: 603	Re: Question about light shotgun loads Welcome Rick, and congrats on winning the Stoeger. JLA's suggestions are good ones, but also consider a box of Cowboy Action shot shells to start. They are very light loads and might be just the ticket for training. The perceived recoil on single shot 12 ga guns can be brutal, depending upon the stock configuration. So, try it yourself first - so you don't turn your wife off to shooting. __________________ NOTE: The information herein is provided free of charge. In some instances, you may actually be getting your money's worth. Author of: The History and Guns of Simson & Co., Suhl www.cornellpubs.com