Latest Loads: 12 Gauge Target Load

by
posted on May 16, 2018
goldmed.jpg

With spring gobbler season becoming just a memory and fall waterfowl seasons looming, now is the time to hone your wing-shooting skills—and nothing is better at doing so than time spent on a sporting clays course. Depending on the targets and their presentations, the load detailed below should serve well across the course. Featuring 1 oz. of magnum lead No. 8 shot (410 pellets) in a Federal 12S0 wad atop of 22.5 grs. of IMR’s new Green propellant, during testing the payload attained 1268 f.p.s. from the 253/4" barrel of a Benelli Super Black Eagle II shotgun. Though soft on the shoulder, the load is devastating to the target; in fact, even when using a factory modified choke, at 40 yds. 341 pellets (83 percent of the total shot) impacted fairly uniformly within a 30" circle surrounding the point of aim. With such performance, the shell is a summertime solution to avert winter wing-shooting woes.

Latest

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 NTS
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 NTS

Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 NTS

In 2010, Smith & Wesson applied its "Bodyguard" moniker to a polymer-frame, .380 ACP semi-automatic pistol. Recently, the company updated that design with the Bodyguard 2.0 NTS.

The Armed Citizen® March 17, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Wilhelm And Paul: Rx For Success In Rifle Making

Though many men have contributed to the design of the bolt-action centerfire rifle, none have done as much as Paul and Wilhelm Mauser to make this rifle a success.

Preview: Origin VRSA Utility Pant

The concept of “Made in the U.S.A.” has been taken to an entirely new level by Origin, a company that doesn’t just make its products domestically, it also sources all its raw material from U.S. suppliers.

New For 2025: Heckler & Koch VP9A1

Heckler & Koch has updated its popular VP9 design with the VP9A1, which includes a Universal Ergonomic Grip that even allows for length-of-pull adjustments.

Preview: TOPS Knives El Chete

Despite its 12" blade of 0.250"-thick 1095 steel, the TOPS El Chete comes in at only 29.5 ozs. with a balance and ergonomics that help it make quick work of clearing shooting lanes or building shelters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.