Ever watched a clay pigeon explode into a cloud of orange dust and thought, “I wish I could do that?” Clay shooting is a fun sport. But it can be tricky! One of the biggest challenges is choosing the right ammo. It’s like trying to pick the perfect ingredient for a recipe. Get it wrong, and your “dish” (your score!) might not be so delicious.
Picking the right 12 gauge ammo for clay shooting can be tough. There are so many choices! You have to think about things like shot size, shell length, and load weight. It can be confusing, and a bad choice can mean missing more targets. No one wants to waste money on ammo that doesn’t work well.
This blog post will help you! We’ll break down everything you need to know about 12 gauge ammo. You’ll learn how to choose the best shells for your shooting style and the different clay shooting events. By the end, you’ll be able to pick ammo with confidence and start smashing those clays! Let’s get started and help you become a better shooter!
Our Top 5 12 Gauge Ammo For Clay Shooting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 12 Gauge Ammo For Clay Shooting Detailed Reviews
1. G. Outdoor Products G.P.S. Shotgun Shell Tote
Rating: 8.8/10
The G. Outdoor Products G.P.S. Shotgun Shell Tote is built for shooters. It is made for easy transport of your shotgun shells. This carrier holds up to six boxes of 12-gauge shells. It also has pockets for your earplugs and shooting glasses. This tough bag is ready for the range.
What We Like:
- Holds six boxes of shotgun shells.
- Easy to carry with a strong handle.
- Has pockets for earplugs and shooting glasses.
- Made with tough materials.
- Helps you keep your gear organized.
What Could Be Improved:
- More color options would be nice.
This shotgun shell tote is a good choice for shooters. It makes it simple to carry your shells and shooting gear. You can’t go wrong with this product.
2. TOURBON Leather Shotgun Shell Holder 12 Gauge Ammo Pouch 1 Box Carrier Ammunition Storage for Sporting Clay Trap Skeet Shooting
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOURBON Leather Shotgun Shell Holder is a handy pouch for shotgun shooters. It is made of real leather. This pouch holds one box of shotgun shells. It is great for sporting clays, trap, or skeet shooting. The open top design makes it easy to grab shells quickly. You can carry extra shells and choke tubes in the side loops. The pouch fits on your belt for easy access.
What We Like:
- Holds a full box of 25 shotgun shells (12 gauge).
- Made of durable, top-grain leather that should last a long time.
- Easy to access shells quickly with the open top design.
- Includes loops for extra shells or choke tubes.
- Fits belts up to 2 inches wide.
- Compact size makes it easy to carry.
What Could Be Improved:
- The leather might need some breaking in to become more flexible.
- Could be nice to have a closure for added security.
Overall, the TOURBON Leather Shotgun Shell Holder is a good choice for shooters. It is a well-made pouch that will keep your shells organized and accessible. It’s a great accessory for your next day at the range.
3. Carlsons Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [ Improved Cylinder
![Carlsons Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [ Improved Cylinder | 0.720 Diameter ] Stainless Steel | Sporting Clays Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41grpbWUEIL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking for a choke tube that will improve your shooting? The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [Improved Cylinder | 0.720 Diameter] is a great choice! This stainless steel Sporting Clays choke tube is made in the USA. It is designed to help you hit more targets on the range or in the field. It’s perfect for any Remington 12-gauge shotgun.
What We Like:
- 30 years of experience backs this product. Carlson’s has tested many loads and chokes. They use special software to make the best choke tubes.
- It’s made with high-quality stainless steel. This makes it strong and long-lasting.
- This choke tube is made for high performance. It is constricted at Improved Cylinder with a .720 diameter. This helps with accuracy.
- You get a lifetime warranty! Carlson’s stands behind their products.
- This product is proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Improved Cylinder constriction works well for many, some shooters may prefer other constrictions for specific games.
This Carlson’s Choke Tube is a solid choice for any Remington 12-gauge shooter. It is made to last and help you shoot better. You should try it today!
4. Strikeman 12 Gauge Shotgun Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge – Great for Target Shooting Practice with Shotguns
Rating: 8.7/10
The Strikeman 12 Gauge Shotgun Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge is a smart way to practice your shotgun skills. It is safe and easy to use. This cartridge helps you improve your aim without using real ammo. It is perfect for beginners and experienced shooters. It is also used by police and military.
What We Like:
- It is safe for your shotgun or rifle. It will not hurt your weapon.
- You can improve your shooting skills and save money on ammo.
- You can practice at home. It is quiet and doesn’t make a sound.
- It uses advanced technology. It is used by professionals.
- The Strikeman Target & App (sold separately) gives you feedback on your shots. The app is updated to make it better.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Strikeman Target & App are sold separately.
- You need to manually align the cartridge.
Overall, the Strikeman dry fire laser cartridge is a great tool for improving your shooting skills. It is a safe and affordable way to practice. This product is a good choice for anyone who wants to get better at shooting.
5. ST Action Pro Pack Of 20 Inert 12 GA 12GA Gauge Shotgun Orange Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Ammunition Ammo Shell Rounds with Brass Case
Rating: 9.1/10
The ST Action Pro Pack provides 20 orange dummy rounds for 12-gauge shotguns. These rounds are inert, meaning they are safe. They are designed for training and practicing. Each round looks like a real shotgun shell. They have a brass case. This pack helps with safe gun handling and training exercises without live ammunition.
What We Like:
- They are bright orange. This makes them easy to see.
- The dummy rounds are useful for practicing loading and unloading.
- They help with safe gun handling.
- The brass cases make them look like real ammo.
- You get 20 rounds in the pack.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lack of extra features is a letdown.
- The price could be lower.
In conclusion, the ST Action Pro Pack is a safe and helpful tool for shotgun training. The bright orange color and brass cases make them a good option for practicing safely.
Shattering Clays: Your Guide to 12 Gauge Ammo
So, you want to shoot clay targets? Awesome! You’ll need the right ammo. This guide will help you pick the best 12-gauge shells for clay shooting. Let’s learn about the important things!
Key Features to Look For
You want ammo that will break those clays! Here are key things to consider:
- Shot Size: This is how big the tiny pellets are. Smaller sizes like #7.5, #8, or #9 are best. They work great for breaking clays.
- Shot Weight: This tells you how many pellets are in the shell. Common weights are 1 ounce, 1 ⅛ ounce, or 1 ¼ ounce. More pellets often mean more hits!
- Velocity: This is how fast the pellets fly. Faster shells get to the clay quicker. Look for shells that go around 1150 to 1350 feet per second.
- Hull Length: This is the length of the plastic part of the shell. 2 ¾ inch shells are the most common. They work well in most shotguns.
- Type of Wad: The wad is the plastic part that holds the shot. It protects the barrel. It also helps the pellets spread out. Some wads are designed to help the shot pattern stay tight.
Important Materials
What is 12-gauge ammo made of? Here’s a quick rundown:
- The Hull: This is the plastic casing. It holds everything together.
- The Primer: This starts the explosion. It’s in the bottom of the shell.
- The Powder: This burns quickly to make gas. This gas pushes the shot out.
- The Wad: This separates the powder from the shot. It also protects the barrel.
- The Shot: These are the tiny pellets that break the clays. They are usually made of lead or steel.
- The Crimp: This closes the top of the shell. It keeps everything inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make ammo better or worse. Knowing these helps you choose good shells.
- Quality of Components: Better materials lead to better performance. High-quality shot and powder are important.
- Consistency: Good ammo is consistent. Every shell should perform the same way. This means reliable breaks!
- Shot Pattern: A good pattern means the pellets spread out evenly. This gives you a better chance of hitting the clay.
- Price: Good quality ammo can be expensive. Cheaper ammo can have problems.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands make better ammo than others. Do some research. See what other shooters say.
User Experience and Use Cases
Clay shooting is fun! Here’s how to use your ammo:
- Sporting Clays: This is a course with different targets. You need ammo that can handle various distances.
- Skeet: This involves shooting clays from set positions. You often need shells with a more open pattern.
- Trap: This involves shooting clays that fly away from you. You might want shells with a tighter pattern.
- Practice: Use your ammo to practice your shooting skills. See how your gun and ammo work together.
- Safety First: Always wear eye and ear protection! Follow all safety rules.
10 FAQs About 12 Gauge Ammo for Clay Shooting
Q: What shot size is best for clay shooting?
A: #7.5, #8, and #9 shot sizes are the most popular.
Q: What does “shot weight” mean?
A: Shot weight tells you how many pellets are in the shell. It’s often measured in ounces.
Q: Should I use lead or steel shot?
A: Lead shot is common. Steel shot is sometimes required by ranges. Check the rules of the range.
Q: How do I know if the ammo is high-quality?
A: Look for consistent performance, good patterns, and a good brand reputation. Read reviews!
Q: What is the purpose of the wad?
A: The wad protects the barrel and helps the shot pattern.
Q: What does “velocity” mean?
A: Velocity is how fast the pellets fly. Faster is usually better.
Q: Can I use any 12-gauge ammo in my shotgun?
A: Most 12-gauge shotguns can use 2 ¾ inch shells. Always check your shotgun’s manual.
Q: How do I choose the right ammo for skeet?
A: You may want shells with a more open pattern for skeet.
Q: Is more expensive ammo always better?
A: Not always. But higher-quality ammo often costs more.
Q: Where can I buy 12-gauge ammo for clay shooting?
A: You can buy ammo at gun stores, sporting goods stores, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.