best load for trap?

when you get good enough to knowthe difference between a #8 and a #71/2 load, then and only then you should consider making custom loads.
you are too new to all of this to know or see the difference. right now you just need to recall sight pictures on clays and duplicate them with what you have. your ammo is fine and will serve you well.
now....after youve shot a few years and have a custom 10,000.00 gun, and enter into matches where the high stake purses merit improved ammo....maybe you can move up to 10.00 a box remington nitro 27 and sts loads.
otherwise, fire away and get good first.
your improvement should first be noticed in your shooting.
then you improve the gun.
then you improve the ammo.

I have only been shooting trap for four years but I have come to believe that both of my trap guns like #8s for 16 yard and 7 1/2s for handicaps with a full choke at 16 and extra full for caps. I have 2 Brownings, an XT trap for 16s and doubles and a grade III Bt99 for caps. I load claydot and magnum shot. It works for me. UPDATE........Last week I added a new Browning XT Trap unsingle to my arsenal, so far I have shot about 600 rounds through it with many 24's and several 25' straights. THis Sunday I will take it down to Vero Beach Trap and Skeet club for some ATA Targets. Last target year I started with a 90/100 finished with a 95.25 average in singles, caps was bad for some reason but I don't give up, when I get the caps average up into the mid 90s' I will get on the doubles. My mantra prior to each shot is "Head down, bead up, stay on the gun. as I said before it works for me CONCENTRATION!!!.

I've been in the trap game for over a decade and only shoot the caps. Here's one of the best tips I can give you. Focus on the target coming out of the house, look for it. And when you start going after the target, still keep your primary focus on it but also be aware where that muzzle is. It should be in your peripheral vision of that focus zone. I wouldn't worry too much about loads now. Hell, all the big dogs back in the day before "handicap" loads came out used to shoot 1 oz of 8s going at 1180 fps at the back fence! And used towin tourney after tourney.

1oz loads will be a bit easier on your shoulder. Over the course of 25 or 50 shells it becomes more noticeable.
If you're worried about less shot in the 1 oz shell try #9s---at 16 yards they work just fine. Usually Walmart will have them right alongside the 7-1/2s and 8s

Trap Load

Mine is Federal Target 2.75", 1 1/8 oz. #8s at 1145 fps.

but in addition to just plain shooting as often as i can, should i be looking at specifics loads to improve performance?

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No, you should be looking for lessons so you do not practice and ingrain poor methods and form.

The trap fundamentals from Remington:

Brochure Downloads - Shotgun Brochures - Rifle Brochures - Remington Brochure

Is a good read to begin with.

BTW, International trap mandates a 24 gram (7/8) load and when they did, scores went UP, not down as many worried about.

My go to loads are 7/8oz of 8 1/2`s for singles and 7/8oz of 7 1/2`s for handicaps. Love um

I reload to 1150 fps, and use #8 shot.

trap333 said:

Mine is Federal Target 2.75", 1 1/8 oz. #8s at 1145 fps.

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+1 my exact load and it works perfectly if i do my part. on occasion will get ww or rem club of the same menu which ever is on sale. Like lower velocity keeps patterns nice and symetrical. all 3 patterned nicely on board out of 1100.
this is just mho. may not work the same in another bbl or s/g.

practice, practice, practice. I have shot 7/8s used a improved modified choke to keep the pattern tight. works great when reloading, and practicing. check them all on the pattern broad. good luck.

willy said:

practice, practice, practice. I have shot 7/8s used a improved modified choke to keep the pattern tight. works great when reloading, and practicing. check them all on the pattern broad. good luck.

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My pattern broad won't let me use my shotgun on her....

Good one! but......she going to read this, Bill?

Sorry, Willy, but when the shot is there, I have to take it. No offense intended, just having a little fun with a minor typo.

As long as it is in some minor good clean ribbing, no problem! (Putting my handcuffs back away)

da dah.....dump...........tshhhh........