Have you ever watched a clay target explode into a satisfying puff of orange dust and thought, “I want to do that!”? Trap shooting is a fun and challenging sport, but choosing the right ammunition can feel like a shot in the dark. With so many brands, shot sizes, and loads available, it’s easy to get confused and pick something that doesn’t quite fit your needs.
Picking the wrong ammo can hurt your score and your wallet. You might end up with shells that kick too hard, don’t break targets consistently, or cost way too much. No one wants to waste money on ammo that doesn’t perform. This guide will help you understand the key factors in choosing trap shooting ammo. We’ll break down the jargon, explain the different types of loads, and give you practical tips for selecting the best shells for your gun and your skill level.
By reading on, you’ll learn how to confidently choose the right trap shooting ammo. You’ll understand what the numbers on the box mean, how different shot sizes affect your pattern, and how to find a load that’s comfortable to shoot all day. Get ready to improve your scores and enjoy trap shooting even more! Let’s dive into the world of trap shooting ammunition and unlock your potential.
Our Top 5 Ammo For Trap Shooting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Ammo For Trap Shooting Detailed Reviews
1. Allen Company Triumph Rip-Stop Shotgun Shell Bag – Clay
Rating: 9.1/10
The Allen Company Triumph Rip-Stop Shotgun Shell Bag is a great way to carry your shells when you are out shooting. This bag is made for clay, trap, and skeet shooting, and it also works well for hunting or at the gun range. It comes in olive green and is made from tough rip-stop fabric, so it can handle wear and tear.
What We Like:
- This bag holds a lot of shells. You can fit two boxes of 12 gauge shells (2-3/4 inch) in the main compartment.
- It has a separate compartment for your empty shells that holds 25+.
- The zippered hull compartment makes it easy to dump out your spent shells. Just unzip the bottom!
- You get extra storage with a front zippered pocket and two open pockets for accessories.
- The belt is adjustable up to 52 inches, so it should fit most people.
- You can attach your safety glasses or a towel using the D-Ring and Carabiner.
- The 2-inch wide belt and heavy-duty buckle makes the bag comfortable and secure.
What Could Be Improved:
- The olive green color might not be for everyone.
- While durable, very heavy use over long periods might eventually cause wear, like any fabric bag.
Overall, the Allen Company Triumph Shotgun Shell Bag is a practical and durable choice for carrying your shells. It will help keep you organized and ready to shoot.
2. Champion Traps and Targets 45850 Champion Trapshooting Single Box Shell Pouch
Rating: 9.2/10
The Champion Traps and Targets 45850 Single Box Shell Pouch helps you stay organized at the range. It holds your shells and keeps your empties separate. This pouch is made for trapshooting and other shooting sports. It’s designed to be comfortable and easy to use, so you can focus on your shooting.
What We Like:
- The nylon/canvas material is tough and long-lasting.
- The adjustable waistband makes it fit comfortably on most shooters.
- The divided compartments keep loaded shells and empty hulls separate and easy to access.
- It is contoured to fit your body, so it does not get in the way.
- The Champion Traps & Targets logo looks sharp.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some shooters might prefer a pouch with more capacity.
- The material, while durable, might be a bit stiff for some users initially.
- The single box design might not suit shooters who prefer to carry more ammo.
This shell pouch is a practical and comfortable way to carry your shells at the range. It is a good choice for anyone looking for a simple and effective way to stay organized while shooting.
3. Allen Company Eliminator Shotgun Shell Pouch with D-Rings – Clay
Rating: 9.1/10
The Allen Company Eliminator Shotgun Shell Pouch is designed for shooters who need easy access to their shells. It is made with a hard molded design and comes in a tan color. You can use it for clay, trap, and skeet shooting, as well as hunting or at the gun range. The pouch helps you stay organized and ready for your next shot.
What We Like:
- Holds a standard box of shotgun shells.
- Includes four loops for extra shells or choke tubes.
- Great for clay, trap, and skeet shooting competitions.
- Has belt loop attachments for easy carrying.
- Features D-rings for attaching towels or safety glasses.
- Durable, semi-rigid frame handles tough conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The belt loops might be too small for very thick belts.
- The hard molded design could be uncomfortable for some users if it rubs against their side.
- The tan color might not be ideal for all hunting environments.
In conclusion, the Allen Company Eliminator Shotgun Shell Pouch is a durable and practical accessory for any shotgun enthusiast. It is especially useful for competitive shooters and hunters who value quick access to their ammunition.
4. Tourbon Vintage Leather Trap Shooting Bag Ammo Storage Shell Pouch 50+
Rating: 9.3/10
The Tourbon Vintage Leather Trap Shooting Bag is a stylish and practical way to carry your shotgun shells. This ammo pouch is made from PU leather and has a classic, vintage look. It’s designed for trap shooting and hunting, making it easy to grab shells when you need them. With plenty of space and an adjustable belt, this pouch is a great addition to your shooting gear.
What We Like:
- The open-top design lets you quickly grab shells.
- The adjustable waist belt fits different sizes comfortably.
- It can hold 50+ shells, so you have plenty of ammo.
- The front pouch is great for holding small items like scorecards and earplugs.
- The vintage leather design looks really good.
What Could Be Improved:
- While PU leather is durable, some shooters might prefer real leather.
- The 1.03 lb weight might feel a little heavy for some users after a long day.
- The 7.87″ x 11.22″ x 4.33″ size may be a bit bulky for shooters who prefer a more compact design.
In conclusion, the Tourbon Vintage Leather Trap Shooting Bag is a functional and attractive option for carrying your shells. It helps you stay organized and ready on the range.
5. Allen Company Competitor All-in-One Shotgun Shell Pouch with D-Rings – Clay
Rating: 8.6/10
The Allen Company Competitor All-in-One Shotgun Shell Pouch is a great way to carry your shells. It is designed for clay, trap, and skeet shooting, but it is also good for hunting or the gun range. The pouch has a hard molded design and comes in gray. It’s made to hold up in tough conditions.
What We Like:
- This shell bag holds two boxes of shotgun shells. This makes it easy to grab shells when you need them.
- It’s great for competitive shooting. The caddy is very useful for clay, trap, and skeet competitions or practice.
- The carrier is easy to carry. It has a thick belt and a strong clip that goes around your waist.
- It also has D-rings. You can use these to carry towels, safety glasses, and other things.
- The pouch is durable. The rugged frame can handle all kinds of weather.
- There are elastic bands inside the rear zip pocket. You can store choke tubes or extra shells in this pocket.
What Could Be Improved:
- The belt, while durable, could be more adjustable for different waist sizes.
- The gray color might not be ideal for all hunting environments. A camouflage option would be a nice addition.
This Allen Company shotgun shell pouch is a reliable way to keep your shells handy. It offers a good balance of durability and convenience for any shooter.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Ammo for Trap Shooting
This guide will help you choose the best ammunition for trap shooting. Trap shooting is a fun sport, but using the right ammo can make a big difference in your score. We will explain what to look for when buying trap shooting ammo. This guide covers key features, materials, quality factors, and user experience.
What to Look For: Key Features
When buying ammo for trap shooting, consider these key features:
- Gauge: The most common gauge for trap shooting is 12 gauge. It is a good all-around choice. 20 gauge is also used, but it has less shot.
- Shell Length: Shell length is usually 2 ¾ inches for trap. Some shooters use 3-inch shells, but they are not necessary.
- Shot Size: Shot size refers to the size of the pellets. For trap, #7.5 or #8 shot is most common. #7.5 shot is slightly larger.
- Shot Weight: Shot weight is the amount of shot in the shell. 1 1/8 ounce is a standard weight for trap. Some use 1 ounce for less recoil.
- Velocity: Velocity is how fast the shot travels. Target loads often have velocities between 1145 and 1200 feet per second.
Important Materials
Trap shooting ammo is made of several key materials:
- Hull: The hull is the casing of the shell. It is usually made of plastic.
- Primer: The primer ignites the powder when the firing pin strikes it.
- Powder: The powder creates the explosion that propels the shot.
- Wad: The wad separates the powder from the shot and protects the barrel. It is typically made of plastic.
- Shot: The shot is made of lead or steel. Lead is traditional, but some ranges require steel shot for environmental reasons.
Factors that Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors affect the quality of trap shooting ammo:
- Consistency: Consistent loads mean similar velocity and patterns. This improves accuracy.
- Cleanliness: Clean-burning powder reduces residue in your gun. This helps it function properly.
- Component Quality: High-quality primers, powder, and wads improve performance.
- Crimp Quality: A good crimp seals the shell properly. This prevents powder leakage and ensures consistent ignition.
- Storage: Ammo should be stored in a cool, dry place. Poor storage can degrade the powder and primer.
User Experience and Use Cases
Trap shooting ammo is designed for breaking clay targets. The right ammo will make the experience much more enjoyable.
- Beginners: Beginners should start with lighter loads. Lower recoil will make shooting more comfortable.
- Experienced Shooters: Experienced shooters might prefer heavier loads. They can provide tighter patterns at longer distances.
- Practice: For practice, choose affordable, reliable ammo.
- Competition: For competition, select premium ammo. This will give you the best possible performance.
- Recoil Sensitivity: If you are sensitive to recoil, look for low-recoil loads. These are designed to be easier on your shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What gauge is best for trap shooting?
A: 12 gauge is the most common and versatile choice for trap shooting.
Q: What shot size should I use for trap?
A: #7.5 or #8 shot are both excellent choices for trap shooting. #7.5 is slightly larger.
Q: What does “dram equivalent” mean?
A: Dram equivalent is an older way of measuring the power of a shotshell. It is related to the amount of black powder that would have been used. Now velocity is the standard measurement.
Q: Is steel shot as good as lead shot for trap?
A: Lead shot is generally preferred for its pattern density. However, some ranges require steel shot for environmental reasons. Steel shot usually requires a different choke.
Q: What is the best shell length for trap shooting?
A: 2 ¾ inch shells are the standard length for trap shooting.
Q: How important is velocity in trap shooting ammo?
A: Velocity is important. Most target loads have velocities between 1145 and 1200 feet per second. Consistent velocity leads to consistent patterns.
Q: What does “recoil” mean, and how can I reduce it?
A: Recoil is the backward force you feel when you fire a gun. You can reduce recoil by using lighter loads, such as 1 ounce of shot instead of 1 1/8 ounce.
Q: How should I store my trap shooting ammo?
A: Store your ammo in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Q: Can I reload my own trap shooting ammo?
A: Yes, you can reload your own ammo. This can save money, but it requires special equipment and knowledge. Be sure to follow safety precautions.
Q: What is the difference between target loads and field loads?
A: Target loads are designed for target shooting, like trap. Field loads are designed for hunting. Target loads usually have smaller shot and less power.
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.