Difference between a game load and a target load?
#1
10-16-06, 09:21 AM
Difference between a game load and a target load?
I'm planning a visit to the shotgun range for a small group, and was looking into ammunition. 12 gauge game loads at the local discount store were about $3.50 a box. 12 gauge target loads were almost $5.50 a box. What's the difference between game load and target load that would amount to $2?
#2
10-16-06, 10:50 AM
Most likely sales volume. What was the shot size (6, 8, 9 etc.) and weight in ounces of the shot along with the dram equivalent of the powder load of each type. It's possible that the "target" loads might be the more powerful of the two.
#3
10-16-06, 12:27 PM
Member
Because target loads are used for targets for scores, the shot has to be more precise and meet more precise specifications.
#4
10-17-06, 07:13 AM
Thanks
Thanks for the replies- the shot size I saw was 7 1/2, 8, and 9. I think this group can get by without the uniformity provided by target loads. This is a group of co-workers, some of whom will be shooting for the first time, and while there will be some friendly competition (along the lines of playing horseshoes at a picnic) I doubt if anyone will be reporting their score to the national scoring agency.
#5
10-17-06, 08:22 AM
Group Moderator
If you're going to be shooting with any regularity, it's worth looking into reloading your own shells. A buddy of mine and I do this and we estimate our cost at about $2/box. It's also much easier to do than you might think.
#6
10-17-06, 08:35 AM
Kind of a one-off
You're right, Mitch, and that's on my list of things to do--- eventually (as soon as I get some free time!). I shot skeet with a friend who has a turret loader, and before we went he loaded up shells for us. Very impressive the way the finished shell dropped out after each lever pull, very cool.
#7
10-18-06, 03:46 AM
Usually, target loads use better hulls for reloading...plastic cup-wad at the bottom of the hull and eight point crimps. Most field/game loads use a fiber (cardboard) cup-wad and usually are six point crimps. Field/game hulls are ok for reloading but won't last as long as a AA hull. The fiber cup-wads disinegrate after a few firings but the plastic cup-wads seem to last forever. Same goes for the crimp....6 point crimps are ok but seem to give out after a few loadings whereas 8 point crimps seem to hold and hold and hold and hold. I've got some AA's that have been with me for twenty years and have probably been reloaded in excess of ten times....then again, I shoot low pressure reloads (read reduced loads) and for 12 ga I use 7/8 oz charges and 20 ga, 3/4 oz charges.
