I came across a can of Winchester 540 shotgun powder. Does anyone have any practical load information for a trap shooter? I need MEC bushing recommendations as well. I reload 12 gauge Gun Clubs and Federal Top Gun shells.

True Blue and Diamond Hard,
Harry

540 is a magnum shot shell power, best suited to 1-3/8 and up loads

It's the same powder as Hodgdon HS-6. Good stuff for field loads.

I believe your thinking of WW571.
I did have some data using 540 with 1-1/2 loads but MV was only 1050fps nominal. In actual use, when fired level, some of the shot was hitting the ground at 40 yds.

Interesting, I started with it when it was called 540MS in the late 60's all the way till they quit making it, replacing it with 571. I used it to kill hundreds of ducks and geese loaded with 1 1/2 oz of 4 or 6 with win red wads. I used 34.5 grains of powder. I still have and use HS-6 and 7. I wish I had know it was worthless.

Not worthless at all. 540 was/is my favorite powder. Never
Found data that would exceed 1050fps for 1-1/2 loads.( your source?)

Firing a box of 571 loads with 1-3/8 oz in my old Win.mdl 50 would send me home with a bruise from the tip of my shoulder to the side of my neck.

To the OP, the only data I found on line for 540 with 1-1/8 loads were for 1300-1400fps. A bit much for trap?

Webster hit it, 540 makes really great field loads in AA hulls with the red wad and 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 oz shot loads. Way too hot for trap use,the other shooters will be whining at you. magnum man

I always used 571 in the heavies