Hey guys I am new to 3 gun and would like to know what type of shotgun ammo is typically used in the matches? I know slugs are used every now and then but what about the rest of the time? Thanks for the help

As with "most" things in 3-gun, the appropriate shot size is most often dictated by target type and personal preference. I run Remington Heavy Dove 1 1/8oz, 7.5 shot for probably 75% of targets I shoot in competition.

For close-in clays(10 yards or less), I use either 8 or 8.5 Fiocchi Spreaders.

For Heavy Steel, steel that's "sticky" due to mud on the base, or for those times where two targets are lined up and I want to use one shot to knock both down, I use high-brass pheasant loads, usually 1 1/4 oz of either 4 or 6 shot.

For the few matches that allow it, I sometimes use #4 buck for extra heavy steel or if I'm shooting a very long distance at steel, typically from an advantagetous "gamer" position.

If shooting an MGM Spinner, I'd use Federal Flight Control Buck (assuming the match allows the use of Buck).  If the flight conrol buck wasn't an option, I'd go with the high-brass pheasant loads.  

For Slugs, I use Fiocchi 1oz reduced recoil slugs because my M2 shoots them accurately and reliably, but this can change from gun to gun.  My back-up M2 doesn't shoot the Fiocchi slugs as accurately as my primary gun.  Some prefer S&B, Remington Reduced recoil slugs, or other types.  

Hope this helps.

The best answer is whatever will reliably run in your gun. Some people can run federal Wally world bulk packs and never have an issue, others won't. Buy a few boxes of some different kinds and see what the guns likes/doesn't like.

What Fullauto_Shooter said. However, I use Federal Truball Low Recoil (LEB127LRS) for 2 reasons: they shoot straight from my 1100, and they are blue, so I can color code. Blue for slugs, red for buck, green for birdshot, and purple for spreaders.

I run #6 across the board, and so far has worked for me (in the cases where I do my part).  Granted I was running an 18" cylinder bore, and this year I am trying out a longer barrel with chokes.



I am assuming that you are running an auto, so the advice to find some that work *reliably* in your shotgun is excellent.  Then you can go from there.  I also color code my shells.



-Corn


 

Jesse,

What all stays in your bag.  Obviously #7.5 or 8 bird shot, but what else.  A couple boxes of slugs? buck shot? #6's?

Jesse,

Sure Jesse, you say sweet!!  :D  When I started 3 Gun it was a jump in ammo expenditure, but with the boys now shooting them, it is 3x the expenditure!!  It is nice to have them out there and active, and it is a family event.  Still cheaper then taking them to the ski slopes for a day though. So it is all perspective I guess.  The last time I went to get shot I noticed they have #5 and #4 there too, and almost bought that.  My (as in not the boys) #6 load thumps the steel pretty good already..  I have had more than a few ask what loads I was buying.