Clay Target Q&A
With Russell Mark, Olympic gold and silver medallist
Questions: russell@corporateshootingstars.com.au
Q I have been shooting Sporting Clays with particular 32g shotshells for targets that are in the range of 35m and further with limited success for the past year. Recently, I bought some new shells, which are nowhere near as fast (about 50fps less), but I can honestly say my scores on longer shots improved dramatically when I changed to the lighter load. I don’t think I am leading the targets any less either. Is this in my head or are lower-velocity shotshells the way to go?
Michael Carroll, NSW
A I am not surprised that you do not have to lead the target any more. You may get a shock to know that at 35m the actual difference in lead required between the two shotshells is only 30mm. Yes, that’s right, just more than 1"! The faster of the two shotshells arrives at the target a whole .004 of a second before the slower one. There has not been a shooter yet who can lead a target 30mm more at 35m because they are using a slower shotshell. Don’t get confused by the muzzle velocity that may be written on the box. Muzzle velocity is all it is. Faster shotshells slow down quicker and by the time the shot column has reached its target, the velocity is nearly half of its initial muzzle speed and slowing down fast.
Michael, I would think the better results with the slower loads can be attributed to firstly, better patterning of the shot at 35m. The slower load may not be blowing the pattern apart as much, thus giving you more effective shot pattern density and therefore, a far greater chance of breaking the target.
Secondly, the better patterns may be due to simply harder and rounder actual shot pellets. Round, hard-polished shot will give you far better long-range results than softer, deformed shot. See if you can find out if the slower loads actually have harder shot. This means finding out what percentage antimony the shot is loaded with. Generally, hard, high-quality shot has 5 or 6 per cent antimony. If this is the case, the manufacturer will generally label this on the packet as it is a good marketing tool. Antimony costs more and the manufacturer generally likes giving you a reason why you need to pay more for their shotshells.
Provided the shot is round and hard, I would have no hesitation in picking a lighter load over one that travels faster, but has soft and rough shot pellets.