Ammunition, assuming 12 gauge…
A few important numbers:
1) 2 3/4 DRAM loads. Dram is the amount of powder in the shell. 3 DRAM and higher = more recoil and are contraindicated in too many ways to count. 2 3/4 DRAM loads hit the magic fps number…UNDER 1,200 fps.
2) 1,200 fps or preferably a bit less will break every fair target presentation on this earth…consistently. 1,150 to 1,180 fps.
3) First choice is either 7/8 oz or 1 oz loads. Both are 100% dependable. 2nd choice is 1 1/8 oz loads. Like powder, more shot = more recoil.
4) Shot size: 8’s put more pellets in the pattern…best for 80-90% of our targets inside 40 yards. 7 1/2’s (larger and heavier pellet) are also excellent…will break everything out to 70 yards.
Fiocchi makes an excellent “trainer” load…7/8 oz just slightly below 1,200 fps. This is my # 1 favorite shell for all targets inside 35 yards…highly recommended…the shell I use in practice and competition…100% reliable. Over 35 yards I prefer a 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz (7 1/2’s) only to keep a few more pellets in the pattern at longer distances…again keeping the fps at or slightly under 1,200 fps. Available at Target Shotguns in Hendersonville NC.
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Dan Schindler is one of only 55 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors, U.K. and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. We promise you an enlightening, memorable experience!
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About Dan Schindler
Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!
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and is all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.
To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.
Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan' life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer and much more.
A few Facebook comments Dan Schindler's and his Books:
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4 Comments
Jan 12, 2018, 9:03:37 PM
Daniel Schindler - Hi John…thanks for asking. The following opinion is based on historical facts. It’s interesting that 1,200 fps loads have been breaking targets consistently…with day in, day out reliability…winning match after match for decades. This includes Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays. Then, someone decided we “needed” more speed (with more recoil) to break the very same clay targets. We don’t. Nor are the faster loads better than the “standard” loads. Proven inside the math formulas and at the target, they’re truly not. It’s the opposite. IMHO, there are 2 primary shell considerations: dependability at the target and recoil. Manufacturer aside…provided the sight picture and trigger pull are correct…if the 1,180 fps shell using 7/8 oz of 8’s will break a target inside 30 yards 100 out of 100 times…and it will…what is the advantage of using the 1,300 fps+ 1 1/8 oz shell…with substantially more recoil? That excessive recoil will, eventually, inevitably cost a shooter targets and more…with no performance or scoring advantages whatsoever. The excessive speed and abusive recoil disadvantages are a liability, visible every day on score sheets that disappoint. Manufacturer of your choice, pick a moderate 7/8 or 1 oz load, maybe a 1 1/8 oz, all traveling 1,200 fps or slightly less, and go break targets with total confidence. Said respectfully, if a shooter misses with this shell, it wasn’t the shell. Not sure? Take the next shell (same brand, same load) and hand it to Digweed, Carlisle, Duffy, Cherry, Maguire, Lieski, Matarese, any of them will do nicely. XXXXXX. When the manufacturers build a faster shell that actually puts more (not less) pellets on the target out yonder, AND lowers recoil, I’ll be the first in line and change my recommendations to my students. Be safe John. Thanks again and I hope to see you out on the course.
All the best,
Dan Schindler
Jan 12, 2018, 11:51:39 AM
John Scott - Hi , Daniel. I shot Skeet with a 30"m/c Beretta 682 gold E. Chokes cylinder & skeet ,Briley Helixe. What do you consider the best cartridges to use most of the targets taken at under 20yards . regards John.
Dec 31, 2017, 4:46:16 PM
Daniel Schindler - Hi Patrick,
Sometimes, the dram equivalent is not shown. However, 2 3/4 dram (12 gauge) will be less than 1200 fps. The fps is usually marked on the top of the box or case. 3 dram loads (12 gauge) start at 1200 fps and go up. Hope this helps!
Dan
Dec 31, 2017, 3:16:41 PM
patrick - Where is the Dram count found? I have Fiocchi shells and don't see this information listed on the box or on the shells. Thank you.