While you may not be able to tell the difference visually between 7.5 vs 8 shot, the two pellet sizes are not the same. The ballistics and pellet count when using 7.5 and 8 shot loads are two key factors that make choosing the right one important.
7.5 lead shot is the larger pellet between the two and for longer shots out past 35 yards, it is the ideal choice. 8 shot pellets provide better pattern density due to their smaller diameter and are better for shots within 35 yards.
Pitting 7.5 vs. 8 shot, we take a look at the respective strengths of each pellet type, so you can pick the right one for the next time you need it for sporting clays or hunting. If you want to see the leading hunting choke tubes for 7.5 and 8 shot, be sure to check out the Carlson’s White Wing Dove Choke and Truglo Double Threat Dove Choke. And if you’re reloading lead shot, read more about pellet sizes and choke diameters.
Key Differences Between 7.5 vs 8 Shot
- Pellet diameter – 7.5 shot (0.095”), 8 shot (0.090”)
- Pellet weight – 7.5 shot (1.25 grains), 8 shot (1.07 grains)
- Pellets per ounce – 7.5 shot (350), 8 shot (410)
- Effective range – 7.5 shot (60 yards), 8 shot (54 yards)
- Trap Shooting – 7.5 shot (>23 yard line), 8 shot (<23 yard line)
- Hunting – 7.5 shot (>35 yards for dove), 8 shot (<35 yards for dove)
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What’s the difference between 7.5 and 8 shot?
7.5 shot and 8 shot differ in size, weight, and ballistics. Pellet diameter measures .095” for 7 ½ size shot, and 8 shot measures .090” in diameter. There are 350 #7 lead pellets in an ounce of shot, while 8 shot contains 410 pellets/oz.
When comparing weight, 7.5 shot weighs 1.25 grains per pellet and 8 shot weighs 1.07 grains. Summing it up, 7.5 shot is 5 thousandth of an inch larger, has 60 less pellets per ounce, and weighs 0.18 grains more per pellet.
The Ballistics of 7.5 vs 8 shot
One of the most popular shotshell loads for both upland hunting and trap shooting is the 12 gauge 1 1/8 oz load of #7 ½ and 8 shot moving at 1200fps. Ballistics say the minimum penetration for this load is effective to 60 yards with 7.5 shot and 54 yards with 8 shot.
This chart shows the results of 7.5 vs 8 shot at 30 yards from identical loads. #7.5 shot has 19 more feet per second and 0.13″ more penetration at 30 yards.
| Load Info | #7.5 shot | #8 shot |
|---|---|---|
| Load Weight (grains) | 438 | 438 |
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 1200 | 1200 |
| Velocity at Target (fps) | 681 | 662 |
| Range (yards) | 30 | 30 |
| Penetration (inch) | 1.29 | 1.16 |
It can be difficult to keep a pattern together at the max ranges to hit consistently, but these small pellets are effective beyond what most would think when minimum penetration is needed (0.5″). The common rule of thumb for clay shooters is to use 8 shot for any shooting stands from the 23 yard line and under. Save the 7.5 shot loads for longer shots or windy days where shot drift could affect your aim.
Is 7.5 shot good for sporting clays?
Having to choose between 7.5 vs 8 shot for trap is one of the leading problems for shooters seeking both an edge up and searching for why they are missing shots on clays. The mental aspect of shooting sports can weigh heavily causing many to second guess their already sound decisions.
8 shot is the most popular shot size for trap shooters followed closely by 7 ½ shot. Novice shooters will likely not see any difference between the two pellets sizes, but for expert trap shooters, it could mean the difference between a perfect score or just missing out.
8 shot is often perfectly fine to the 23 yard line. At the 24, 25, or 26 yard lines, this is when you want to switch to 7.5 shot. A tighter choke can also be beneficial when switching to 7.5 shot to keep the pellets compact at range.
SUMMARY
8 shot is a great choice for trap shooting inside and up to the 23 yard line for Singles and Doubles matches. For long distance shots during Handicap matches, 7.5 shot is preferred from the 23 yard line and beyond.
Hunting Dove with 7.5 shot
Hunting dove can be fast paced where both short and long shots are common. A modified choke tube paired with 7.5 shot is a great combo that can handle variable ranges while dove hunting.
7.5 shot is the most versatile pellet size for dove hunting due to the fact that it has adequate pellet density and range. A 1 1/8-ounce load of 7.5’s packs 393 pellets with a max range of around 50 yards.
Going up a pellet size to 6 shot is often detrimental to the pattern density needed to hit doves consistently. Likewise, dropping a shot size to 8 shot can work well for close shots, but if dove are flying high, it may leave you frustrated.
Antimony in 7.5 and 8 shot lead pellets
Antimony is an element that is added to lead pellets to make them harder and deform less after they exit the barrel. Less deformity means better pellet distribution down range and increased pellet penetration. Antimony is expensive, so it’s not found in all lead shotgun shell loads.
You can maximize the performance of 7.5 and 8 shot by reloading your own shells and using pellets with 4.5-5% antimony added. Rotometals high antimony shot is one of the best to consider for achieving maximum performance with 7.5 or 8 shot.
Bottom Line
When considering 7.5 vs 8 shot, three glaring differences are apparent. The first is pellet weight, 7.5 shot is heavier pellet to pellet by 0.18 grains. 7.5 shot has a larger pellet diameter as well by 5 thousandths of an inch. In one ounce of shot, 8 shot has 60 more pellets than 7.5 shot.
8 shot is the ideal choice between the two when shots are under 35 yards. For longer shots past 35 yards, 7.5 shot is the clear winner. 8 shot works best up to the 23 yard line when trap shooting.
And, if you’re wondering which chokes you should switch to for 7.5 or 8 shot while dove hunting, there’s no better place to start than our list of the best dove chokes. Whichever choke you pick, just make sure it fits the choke system on your shotgun.
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