I’ve shot well over 50,000 rounds of 7/8 oz, #7 1/2 (magnum shot, STS brand when I can get it). Through the fixed M/IM chokes in my Perazzi MX8 they pattern beautifully. I load them to about 1275 fps, that fast only to keep pressure up fora good burn of Clays powder.
Speed is not important to a shotgun load; that’s why the gold standard is around 1200 with 1 1/8 oz loads - trap shooters figured this out decades ago. However, with lighter loads and magnum shot, the shot deformation issues from setback upon firing must be significantly less than with heavier loads as the patterns are terrific.
I will not say that these loads are better than heavier loads, as I agree with Bruce Buck and others who have noted that “more is more” wrt shot charges, and that every 1 1/8 oz load has a 7/8 and 1 oz load riding on the top of the shot column. That said, the difference is very small and the reduction in fatigue is real. Cost savings is a bonus.
Last edited by GF1; 03/15/19.
