Anyone else think the new Federal Gold Medal Grand shells pattern too tight for sporting clays?
Been shooting sporting clays for years with my Browning Citori 725, usually with an Improved Cylinder choke and standard 1-1/8 oz #8 loads. Picked up a case of the new Federal Gold Medal Grands (1-1/8 oz #8, 1200 fps) to try. At my club's 35-yard crossing station, I'm breaking targets but the pattern feels like it's hitting them with a needle instead of a hammer - clean breaks but no margin for error. Wondering if others are seeing this or if I should just stick with my usual Remington STS.
1 Answer
I've noticed the same thing with those Grand shells. They're using a harder shot and a different wad design that definitely throws a denser, more uniform pattern. For sporting clays where you want some forgiveness, try dropping down to a Skeet choke or even Cylinder if your gun patterns them that tight. I switched back to my regular Federal Top Guns for most sporting courses - the slightly softer shot seems to give me better breaks on edge-on targets. What choke are you running at that 35-yard station?
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