AA Heavy target load

**Radarsonwheels** · September 11th, 2014, 03:42 PM

Howdy

I'm new to trap shooting (only 1 year experience, but definitely on my way to my second thousand shells). I wouldn't say that I suck at it but I am hovering around a 30/50 average. I read up on technique and I'm slowly getting better- fighting years of rifle experience and trying to become a shotgunner.

Anyway, here's my question- can a heavy load be a decent advantage? I buy shells by the case, usually 7.5 or 8 or whatever's in stock. As you all know sometimes it's hard to find what you/your gun likes.

My best scores 40+/50 were all when I had a case of AA heavy target load. I ran out and started shooting Rio, Win light target, and some estate and now I feel like I'm fighting to avg. in the mid 30s/50. 5/5 at a station is rare these days

Is this a coincidence or do I need to pattern my gun every time I switch? Im not shooting handicap so it shouldn't matter but I know I struggle to walk the line between getting on the birds faster and being comfortable with my swing and trigger. Maybe I am waiting too long to shoot and at longer range the advantage of more faster pellets shows up bigtime?

What say you innanet?

Ps I just got three cases of estate because it was $65 instead of $70+ so hopefully I can at least be consistant for ten or fifteen games depending if my sister comes and shoots up my shells

**Radarsonwheels** · September 11th, 2014, 10:08 PM

Well I shot 46/50 and 40/50 tonite so maybe I was just psyching myself out or maybe Rio just sucks in my gun

**JenniferG** · September 13th, 2014, 02:56 PM

Your best bet is to video yourself while shooting and watch later to see where you are having problems with your mounting and swing. Before all these phone cameras you had to pay a pro to watch and teach you technique. It couldn't hurt to have a pro look at the video and see what your doing and offer advice to correct. Golfers do the same thing.

I would pattern your gun when you switch loads. Every detail helps you to become a better shooter. The AA used to be the standard all the others were compared to years ago but I don't know if that's the case anymore. It's been quite some time since I shot trap regularly and things change.

**Grizz2720** · September 13th, 2014, 10:48 PM

Save the heavy load casings get a MEC reloader and reload what you shoot. You can make the load for your gun. Worked for me. Gives me gun time. When I reload. I have shells have to shoot. No shells have to reload.

**Radarsonwheels** · September 13th, 2014, 11:10 PM

Thanks- all good advice. I'm on my way to my 1st trashcan full of empty hulls so reloading is definitely in the future. The filming on an iphone is a great idea. I shoot with a few 49-50/50 type dudes so I'm already getting an earfull! It would help to see myself though. High tech!

**Twoboxer** · September 13th, 2014, 11:22 PM

I'd wager that once you get your head clear, I think you'll find no difference between 7/8oz of 9s and your heavy target load (talking about percentage breaks at the trap house).

There may be a difference in velocity between the AAs and the cheaper/lighter loads you've used that may just better suit how you currently shoot.

Or you just may be more relaxed and confident with your favorites