Ever missed a clay, and blamed your shells? We’ve all been there! Clay shooting is a fun sport, but it can also be frustrating. Choosing the right shotgun shells is a big part of hitting those flying targets. But with so many brands, sizes, and loads, it’s easy to feel lost in the options.
Picking the wrong shells can ruin your day at the range. You might have poor patterns, not enough power, or even experience uncomfortable recoil. This can lead to wasted money and a lot of missed clays. This blog post is here to help you.
By reading on, you’ll learn what to look for in a shell and how to choose the best ones for your shooting style and the type of clays you’re shooting. We’ll break down the different parts of a shell and explain what they do. Get ready to hit more clays and have more fun! Let’s dive into the world of shotgun shells!
Our Top 5 Shells For Clay Shooting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shells For Clay Shooting Detailed Reviews
1. Allen Company Triumph Rip-Stop Shotgun Shell Bag – Clay
Rating: 9.3/10
The Allen Company Triumph Rip-Stop Shotgun Shell Bag is a must-have for any shotgun shooter. This bag keeps your shells organized and easy to reach. It’s perfect for clay shooting, trap, or skeet. The olive green color blends well in the field or at the range. This bag is designed to make your shooting experience better.
What We Like:
- Holds a lot of shells. The bag carries two boxes of 12-gauge shells. It can also hold many empty shells.
- Has handy pockets. You can store small items in the zippered front pocket and two open pockets.
- The belt is strong. It has a 2-inch wide webbed belt with a tough buckle.
- Easy clean up! The zippered hull compartment lets you dump out spent shells quickly.
- Adjustable belt. The belt fits up to a 52-inch waist.
- Durable fabric. It’s made from tough Ripstop fabric.
- Attachment points. You can use the D-ring and carabiner to hold your glasses or towel.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pockets could be slightly larger.
Overall, the Allen Company Triumph Shell Bag is a great accessory for shotgun shooters. It’s a practical and well-made bag that will last a long time.
2. Allen Company Shotgun Shell Pouch with Belt – Clay
Rating: 9.3/10
The Allen Company Shotgun Shell Pouch with Belt is a must-have for any shotgun enthusiast. This pouch is designed for clay, trap, and skeet shooting. It’s also great for hunting. It keeps your shells organized and easy to reach. The soft canvas design comes in tan or olive drab. This pouch is built to last and makes your shooting experience better.
What We Like:
- Holds two boxes of shotgun shells.
- Has a compartment for spent hulls.
- Perfect for competitions and range practice.
- Comes with a thick belt and strong clasp.
- Made with tough polyester and PVC trim.
- Durable design can handle many environments.
- From Allen Co., a company that makes quality gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- The belt size may not fit everyone.
- The canvas could be more water-resistant.
This Allen Company shell pouch is a great addition to your shooting gear. It is convenient and helps you stay organized. This will make your shooting experience much more enjoyable.
3. Allen Company Competitor All-in-One Shotgun Shell Pouch with D-Rings – Clay
Rating: 9.5/10
The Allen Company Competitor All-in-One Shotgun Shell Pouch is a must-have for any shotgun shooter. This tough pouch holds your shells and other gear. It’s built for clay, trap, and skeet shooting. The hard molded design keeps your shells safe and secure. This pouch is ready for the gun range or hunting trips.
What We Like:
- Holds a lot of shells! You can fit two boxes of shells in the main compartment.
- It has pockets for extra choke tubes or spare shells.
- It is great for competitions and practice.
- The belt and clasp make it easy to carry.
- D-rings let you attach extra gear like towels or glasses.
- The pouch is built to last. It can handle tough conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a different color.
- The belt size might not fit all waist sizes.
This Allen Company shell pouch is a great buy for shooters. It’s tough, easy to use, and holds a lot of shells. You can take it with you to the range or on your next hunting trip.
4. Allen Company Eliminator Over and Under Shotgun Shell Pouch – Clay
Rating: 8.7/10
The Allen Company Eliminator Over and Under Shotgun Shell Pouch is a must-have for any shotgun shooter. This handy pouch is perfect for clay, trap, and skeet shooting. It’s also great for hunting. The pouch holds a box of 12-gauge shells. It has a mesh bag to store your spent shells. It easily attaches to your belt. The pouch is made by Allen Company, a company that loves the outdoors.
What We Like:
- Holds a standard box of 12-gauge shells.
- Has a zip-open mesh bag for spent hulls.
- Works well for competitions and practice.
- Attaches quickly to almost any belt.
- Made of rugged mesh for lasting use.
- The pouch is durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- The metal clips could be stronger.
- Some users may prefer a different color option.
This Allen Company shell pouch is a solid choice for shooters. It is a great way to keep your shells organized on the range. You can easily carry it with you.
5. SPIKA Shotgun Shell Pouch
Rating: 8.6/10
The SPIKA Shotgun Shell Pouch is built for shooters. This pouch is also called a Sporting Clays Shell Pouch, Ammo Pouch, and Shells Bag. It has double layers. It’s made for trap shooting and other shooting sports. This pouch helps you carry your shotgun shells. It keeps them organized and easy to grab. This bag is a useful tool for any shooter at the range.
What We Like:
- The shell bag is big. It measures 9.8” long, 7.9” high, and 4.7” wide. You can put a lot of shells in it.
- It has two deep pockets. You can store extra items in them. It also has two side clips for extra security.
- The waist belt can be adjusted. It fits you well at the range.
- The quick-release buckle is strong. It makes taking the belt on and off easy.
- The bag is made of strong material. It can save space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description does not specify the material of the bag.
- Some users might prefer a more detailed description of the pocket sizes.
The SPIKA Shotgun Shell Pouch is a solid choice for shooters. It’s a good way to organize your shells and enjoy your time shooting.
Shells for Clay Shooting: Your Buying Guide
Ready to break some clays? You’ll need the right shells. This guide helps you pick the best ones for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right shotgun shells is important. Here’s what to consider:
- Gauge: This is the size of the shell. Common gauges are 12-gauge and 20-gauge. 12-gauge is the most popular. 20-gauge is lighter and easier to handle.
- Shot Size: This tells you how big the pellets are. Smaller numbers mean bigger pellets. Bigger pellets are good for longer distances. Smaller pellets work well for closer targets.
- Shot Weight: This tells you the total weight of the pellets. More weight means more pellets, so it may improve your chances of hitting the target.
- Velocity: This is how fast the pellets travel. Faster pellets hit the target quicker.
- Hull Material: The hull is the outside part of the shell. It holds everything together.
- Wad Material: The wad sits inside the shell. It protects the shot and helps it travel down the barrel.
Important Materials
Shotgun shells have several important parts. Knowing these materials helps you understand how they work.
- Hull: Usually made of plastic. It’s strong and holds everything together.
- Primer: This small part starts the explosion. It sits at the base of the shell.
- Powder: This is the fuel for the explosion. It pushes the shot out of the barrel.
- Wad: This is made of plastic. It protects the shot and guides it down the barrel.
- Shot: These are the small pellets that break the clay targets. They are often made of lead or steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Shell quality makes a big difference. Here’s how to tell the good ones from the bad:
- Consistent Shot Pattern: Good shells spread the shot evenly. This increases your chances of hitting the target.
- Reliable Primer: The primer needs to work every time. A faulty primer means a misfire.
- Good Hull Material: Strong hulls don’t split or break. This ensures the shell works properly.
- Quality Shot: Round, consistent pellets fly better. They break the targets more easily.
- Clean Burning Powder: Clean powder leaves less residue in your gun. This makes cleaning easier.
User Experience and Use Cases
Shells are made for different types of clay shooting. Think about the type of shooting you’ll do.
- Skeet Shooting: Skeet shooting involves targets that fly at close range. You may want smaller shot size and lighter loads.
- Trap Shooting: Trap targets fly away from you. You may need larger shot size and heavier loads.
- Sporting Clays: Sporting clays have various targets and distances. You will need shells that work well at different distances.
Remember to always check your gun’s manual. It will tell you which shells are safe to use. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
Shells for Clay Shooting: FAQ
Q: What gauge shell should I use?
A: The 12-gauge is common, but 20-gauge is good for beginners. Choose the gauge your shotgun uses.
Q: What shot size is best for clay shooting?
A: For skeet, small shot sizes like 7.5 or 8 work well. For trap, larger sizes like 7.5 or 7 might be better. Sporting clays require a shell that can do it all.
Q: What does shot weight mean?
A: Shot weight is how much the pellets weigh. More weight means more pellets and a better chance of hitting the target.
Q: What is velocity?
A: Velocity is how fast the pellets travel. Faster shells reach the target faster.
Q: What is a wad?
A: The wad is a piece inside the shell that protects the shot and helps it travel down the barrel.
Q: What material is the hull made of?
A: Hulls are usually made of plastic.
Q: What does “consistent shot pattern” mean?
A: It means the pellets spread evenly. This helps you hit the target.
Q: How do I know if a shell is good quality?
A: Good shells have a consistent shot pattern, reliable primers, and strong hulls.
Q: What kind of shells are best for beginners?
A: Lighter loads and smaller shot sizes are easier to handle for beginners.
Q: Where can I buy shotgun shells?
A: You can buy shells 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.