If you want to hang some smoke use 7.5 with an IM to Full choke, also shoot the clay target on the rise, don’t wait forever to pull the trigger.

 

I am a new shooter this past summer and asked this question to the top shooter in our league. He said no difference from the 16. So, for my next match I used 8’s on the first 25 and 7 1/2’s on the next 25. My score was 22 and 22. I guess he was right!

 

This is my theory, your mileage may vary. during the winter it gets cold in PA and the air is denser and smaller shot spreads quicker and the targets get harder and the ammo gets slower and 7-1/2's have more energy than 8's. So that's why I buy all seven and a halves for trap.

Ps-When a guy on my squad dusts a Target in the winter league I ask them if they're shooting 8's 😁

 

I can’t tell using 71/2 or 8. If your on target they explode with either.

 

When I first started trap shooting, I stood at the counter at Walmart agonizing over which 100 box of Winchester Super Targets to buy - 7.5 or 8? I bought one of each. And quickly realized that I could not tell the difference. Truth be told - I still agonize over which to buy today - and I still can't tell the difference at the line.

 

8 or 9 for 16 yd and 7 1/2 for handicap. 7 1/2 are better for windy days. That's my story and I am sticking to it!

 

Has the OP gotten to 50 yet? 5 pages of this is a little much.

 

Nope he's only averaging 11 posts per month