Trying to fine-tune my 1oz reloads for sporting clays - getting inconsistent patterns past 35 yards
Been working up some 1oz #8 loads for my Beretta 686 with 28" barrels and Briley Light Mod chokes. Using once-fired STS hulls, Federal 209 primers, 17.5gr of Alliant Extra-Lite, and Claybuster WAA12SL wads. Patterns are great at 30 yards but start to get a bit 'blown' and inconsistent at 40+ yards on true pairs. Anyone else run into this with light target loads?
1 Answer
I've seen that exact issue with Extra-Lite in STS hulls - it's a fast powder that can get a bit peaky with lighter shot charges. Try dropping to 17.0gr and see if the patterns tighten up. The other thing to check is your wad - sometimes those Claybuster clones don't seal as consistently as the original Winchesters. I switched to WAA12SL wads (the real ones) and it made a noticeable difference past 35 yards. What's your velocity running with that 17.5gr charge?
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