Anyone else think 7/8 oz loads feel weird in a 12 gauge?
Been shooting for about 2 years now, mostly sporting clays with my Beretta A400 Xcel. I usually run 1 oz loads at 1200 fps for everything. Picked up some Federal Top Gun 7/8 oz #8 shot to save a little money and try something lighter. They just feel...off. The gun cycles fine, but the recoil impulse feels strange, almost like a quick snap instead of a push. Pattern seems okay at 30 yards with my Improved Cylinder choke, but the whole experience is just different. Am I imagining things, or is this a common thing when dropping down in payload?
1 Answer
You're definitely not imagining it - that's a common observation when switching to lighter loads, especially in a gas-operated semi-auto like your A400. The 7/8 oz loads produce less gas to operate the action, so the recoil impulse changes from that familiar push to more of a sharp snap. Some shooters actually prefer it once they get used to it, especially for high-volume practice days. Try mixing them in with your usual 1 oz loads during a session to see if your perception changes. What's your usual sporting clays score range? That might help determine if the lighter loads are actually affecting your break percentage or if it's just a feel thing.
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