Skeet shooting: I get really good ‘kills’ with mine on the targets at our local gun club. I use a Browning B425 choked ¼ and ½.
Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers. Find out moreSKEET SHOOTING
John Bidwell
You have raised an interesting point. Some years ago ‘Skeet shells’ were used much more extensively by Sporting shooters than they are today, especially on close to mid-range targets.
Today I think you would be hard pushed to find many folk at a shoot with a box or two of No. 9s even in their bag.
In fact some have probably never fired one in their lives!
The reason for this, I think, is because the type of targets now encountered at shooting grounds has changed in recent years.
Clays, generally, are being presented at longer ranges and with a fair proportion of them as quartering away birds to boot.
Shooters feel more confident in breaking such targets with larger shot in the form of 7s or 7.1/2s – the thought of using No. 9 shot never crosses their mind.
And yet… A dense pattern of small shot fired through fairly tight chokes will thoroughly mince most long range clays should they show anything of their softer underbelly.
If you have a tightly choked gun, why not give 9s a proper trial – I think you might be pleasantly surprised at their effectiveness.
Get the latest news delivered direct to your door
Discover the ultimate companion for field sports enthusiasts with Shooting Times & Country Magazine, the UK’s leading weekly publication that has been at the forefront of shooting culture since 1882. Subscribers gain access to expert tips, comprehensive gear reviews, seasonal advice, and a vibrant community of like-minded shooters.
With weekly issues featuring in-depth articles on gundog training, exclusive member offers, and £2 million public liability insurance, a Shooting Times & Country subscription is more than a magazine – it’s your essential guide to the rich traditions and thrilling world of field sports. Don’t just read about the countryside; immerse yourself in its most authoritative and engaging publication.