Latest Loads: 12 Gauge Target Load

by
posted on May 16, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
goldmed.jpg

With spring gobbler season becoming just a memory and fall waterfowl seasons looming, now is the time to hone your wing-shooting skills—and nothing is better at doing so than time spent on a sporting clays course. Depending on the targets and their presentations, the load detailed below should serve well across the course. Featuring 1 oz. of magnum lead No. 8 shot (410 pellets) in a Federal 12S0 wad atop of 22.5 grs. of IMR’s new Green propellant, during testing the payload attained 1268 f.p.s. from the 253/4" barrel of a Benelli Super Black Eagle II shotgun. Though soft on the shoulder, the load is devastating to the target; in fact, even when using a factory modified choke, at 40 yds. 341 pellets (83 percent of the total shot) impacted fairly uniformly within a 30" circle surrounding the point of aim. With such performance, the shell is a summertime solution to avert winter wing-shooting woes.

Latest

SDS Arms MAC-5K
SDS Arms MAC-5K

Review: Military Armament Corporation MAC-5K

SDS Arms, under its Military Armament Corporation (MAC) brand, imports Turkish-made roller-delayed handguns of the H&K MP5 pattern called the MAC-5K.

8 New Revolvers for 2026

Despite the incredible array of polymer-frame, striker-fired, semi-automatic handguns on the market, the classic revolver not only refuses to die, it has seen something of a resurgence in recent years.

The Armed Citizen® May 18, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

8 New Semi-Auto Shotguns for 2026

For 2026, the semi-automatic shotgun market has seen even more growth, with some manufacturers expanding their current offerings and other makers entering the marketplace with novel designs.

SAAMI Celebrates 100th Anniversary

For the past 100 years, the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has established the standards that ensure our safety when using modern shotshells, cartridges, firearms and more.

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.