7 1/2's or 8's?
As we sell ammo in the shop, a lot of my customers, particularly newer shooters, ask me a lot of questions about ammo and shot size. What brands are better than others? What is "dram equivalent"? What speed shell should I use? And of course the ubiquitous question ..... 7 1/2's or 8's?
There is a difference in ammo quality...but not so much between brands, more so within each brand name the type or quality of the ammo varies greatly. Premium target loads like Fiocchi White Rhinos, Remington STS, Winchester AA and Federal Premium are all superior performers. We have our personal preferences but on any given day they will all outperform us! They all contain hard shot, good wads, clean burning consistent powder and very reliable primers. You can't go wrong with any of the above brands...however you can spend some serious cash shooting it! I watch for the rebate programs and either reload or sell my Remington Nitro empties.
The next level of target ammo will deliver premium ammo performance. However, using a Reifenhouser or ribbed disposable plastic hull, they have reduced cost significantly and though still more than reloads they perform very well. Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics, Rio Premium, Federal Top Gun, Estate Target loads, Winchester Super Target, and Remington Gun Club fall into this category. Most are priced in the $60 - $70 per flat range. These shells use steel for the metal base on the shell, this has a tendency to stick in Ljutic, Alfermann and Seitz type guns as they don't push the shell out a bit prior to ejection. The hulls are reloadable however you must use caution as the base wads can become dislodged and cause some problems. We are distributors for Fiocchi and offer discounts and drop ship on 50-100 flat orders. Call for pricing.
Promotional loads like the "Field and Target" loads found at discount stores are OK just not the most consistent or reliable. They are designed for the once-in-a-while shooter to have some fun with. I have used them for 16 yard and doubles practice but am not impressed with the results. The soft shot and lack of one piece wads makes for some interesting patterns. Shoot them if you must but be aware of the axiom...you get what you pay for.
Even serious shooters seldom can tell the difference between shells of less than 30 feet per second velocity difference. 2 3/4 dram shells will break any target you shoot at (and hit!). 3 dram shells are nice for handicap or long crossing shots in sporting clays. Super Handicap, Nitro 27 and Federal Premium Handicap loads are the Ferrari's of the shotgun shell world. They are assembled from the best components money can buy and if you shoot long yardage handicap trap or FITASC sporting clays you might want a few of these to reach out and touch a target!
Dram equivalent is an old term that in my opinion has no place in today's shotshell market. It refers to a seldom used unit of measure "drams". It a volumetric measure of about 4 milleliters. No one uses this anymore other than on shotshell boxes! It refers to an old black powder equivalent...totally useless!
Last but not least...7 1/2's or 8's? Personally I think #8 shot will do for any target inside 30 yards. After that you might consider 7 1/2's for their retained energy. I think the most important factor is your shotgun. Some just like 8's more and others throw better patterns with 7 1/2s. You can do some pattern work on paper to find if there is a difference.
Hope this helps a bit. Thanks for reading! See you on the range,
Bob