The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo

Posted by John Chambers on September 15, 2026, 8:55 am
Edited by board administrator September 15, 2026, 9:30 am

Which commercial shotshells are preferred for sporting clays in 1930s vintage 12 ga. LC Smith doubles?

Re: 12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo

Posted by Drew Hause on September 15, 2026, 1:00 pm, in reply to "12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo"

If the head of the stock has been acraglas bedded 1 1/8 oz at 1200 fps target loads are reasonable.
If not, in light of the age of the wood, I'd suggest 1 oz. at 1200 fps.
I use B&P Comp One 7/8 oz at 1160 fps for skeet. Fiocchi also makes a 7/8 oz. target load.

Re: 12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo

Posted by Steve Arnett on September 16, 2026, 11:46 am, in reply to "Re: 12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo"

I agree with Dr. Drew. I don't think I've ever shot 1 1/8 loads in my 12 ga. Smiths. Keep it at or under 1,200 ft./sec. with 7/8 oz. or 1 oz.
Check screws regularly, especially the tang screws (one under the top lever, and one under the trigger guard).
Note that 7/8 oz. of 8's actually has a few more pellets than 1 Oz. of 7 1/2's. Unless you expect targets over 35 yds., 1 oz. isn't needed.

Re: 12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo

Posted by Timothy Cicora on September 19, 2026, 11:40 am, in reply to "Re: 12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo"

Winchester AA x tra lite 1 oz loads and the same for the cheaper Winchester Super target 1 oz loads. They both go out at 1180. Seem to work really well and light on recoil for me . Both are usually available at Bass Pro or Cabela's.

Re: 12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo

Posted by Rick Ghenn on September 22, 2026, 10:37 pm, in reply to "12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo"

All of the B&P Competition One shells at 1165 fps are in the range of 7000 PSI to 7800 PSI. RST shells are in the same range. It's the wood, not so much the barrels that need low pressure. If you're not sure what the pressure of your favorite shell is email the manufacturer, none of them publish the numbers, but they all know what it is. Size of the load and velocity are not good ways to judge pressure.

Re: 12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo

Posted by Drew Hause on September 23, 2026, 7:33 am, in reply to "Re: 12 ga. Sporting Clays Ammo"

Pressure generates velocity.
Velocity + payload + weight of the gun generate recoil. Recoil cracks the head of the stock.
The Smith "Double Cross Bolted Treble Wedge Rib Extension" mechanism keeps the action locked against the force of both pressure and recoil, which is why "Smith guns never shoot loose."

168

[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]