#7.5 or #8 Shot
Sporting Clays shot size for optimal performance. Choosing between #7.5 shot and #8 shot is a classic debate in sporting clays, as both sizes offer distinct advantages depending on the distance and type of target you are facing. While the difference in pellet diameter is only about .005 inches, that small change significantly impacts pattern density and kinetic energy. Understanding how these physics apply to a moving clay bird is the first step in deciding which shell to chamber for a specific station.
The primary argument for #7.5 shot is its superior breaking power at long range. Because each pellet is slightly larger and heavier, it carries more momentum and maintains its velocity better than smaller shot. On “edge-on” targets or distant crossers beyond 40 yards, the extra weight of a #7.5 pellet ensures that if it strikes the clay, it has enough energy to shatter the hard pitch rather than just dusting it.
Conversely, #8 shot is often favored for its pattern density. Because the pellets are smaller, you can fit more of them into a standard 1-1/8 oz load—roughly 460 pellets compared to about 390 pellets in a #7.5 load. This “wall of lead” is incredibly effective for close to mid-range targets, such as incoming birds or rapid-fire “rabbit” targets, where the goal is to minimize the gaps in your shot string that a small clay could potentially fly through. Some would argue that #7.5s are superior for rabbits or rabbues since the rabbit target is thicker and takes more energy to break compared to a standard clay target.
When considering wind conditions, many shooters lean toward #7.5 shot. Heavier pellets are less susceptible to “wind drift,” meaning they stay truer to their flight path on gusty days. If you are shooting on an open field with a strong crosswind, the stability of the larger shot can provide a much-needed margin of error that the lighter #8 pellets simply cannot match.
For technical or “finesse” targets like the “battue” or “midi,” the choice often shifts back to #8 shot. These targets are smaller or thinner than a standard clay, requiring a denser pattern to ensure a strike. At distances under 30 yards, the energy of a #8 pellet is more than sufficient to break any clay, making the increased pellet count a statistical advantage for the shooter.
Many competitive shooters actually choose to mix their loads based on the presentation of the station. It is common to see a shooter use a #8 shot for the first, closer bird of a pair to take advantage of the spread, and then switch to a #7.5 shot for the second, trailing bird that has gained distance. This “best of both worlds” approach allows the shooter to tailor their ballistics to the specific geometry of the flight path. This strategy often back fires on the clay shooter as they are thinking too much about the wrong things instead of focusing on the fundamentals of hold point, break point, and seeing the bird properly
Ultimately, your choke selection plays a massive role in which shot size performs better. A #8 shot fired through a “Modified” choke can sometimes mimic the reach of a #7.5, but with a denser core. However, if you prefer “Open” chokes like “Skeet” or “Improved Cylinder,” the #7.5 shot may become too sparse at distance, making the #8 a more reliable choice to maintain a consistent pattern. Don’t skip the pattern board when it comes to sampling your shotshell and choke combinations.
In conclusion, neither shot size is objectively “better” for all of sporting clays, but they serve different roles. If you are looking for a versatile, do-it-all shell, many shooters settle on #7.5 for its reliability at all distances. However, if you want to maximize your chances on complex, close-range technical courses, keeping a box of #8 shot in your vest may be a smart tactical move.
Here are a couple great options in #7.5 shot and #8
12G Clever T2 Dove and Quail #8 1-1/8oz 1280fps (25 Rounds) CMDQ128 **No Local Pickup/No Coupon**