Trying to fine-tune my 1-1/8oz reloads for sporting clays - getting inconsistent breaks at 40 yards
I've been working up a load for my Browning Citori 725 with a Modified choke, using once-fired STS hulls, WAA12SL wads, and 18.0 grains of Alliant Extra-Lite. I'm getting great patterns at 30 yards, but at 40 yards on true pairs or report pairs, I'm seeing some targets just dust while others seem to get a few pellets through them. I'm using #8 shot. Anyone else run into this with lighter target loads?
1 Answer
I've chased that exact issue before. Extra-Lite can be a bit temperamental with heavier shot charges like 1-1/8oz - you might be getting some shot deformation or inconsistent burn at the upper end. Try dropping to 17.5 grains or switch to a slightly slower powder like Green Dot. Also, with a Modified choke at 40 yards, you might want to bump up to #7.5 shot for better pellet energy retention. What's your crimp look like? A shallow crimp can cause velocity variations that really show up at longer distances.
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