Description
The Challenger First Class Target Load brings solid, no-frills performance to the range without breaking the bank. Built in Canada with components selected for consistency, this load is purpose-built for clay shooting where you need rounds that go bang every time and deliver predictable results downrange.
What Makes the First Class Target Load Work for Target Shooting
The #8 shot size is the standard choice for trap and skeet work. The smaller pellets produce a tighter pattern than larger shot, which helps you put more pellets on target at distance. With 1-1/8 oz packed into each shell, you've got plenty of payload to break clays without carrying excess weight. The 1145 FPS velocity is moderate enough to keep recoil manageable, making these shells comfortable to shoot for hours at a time. This speed-to-recoil ratio matters when you're putting hundreds of rounds downrange in a weekend.
Construction Built for the Job
Challenger loads these shells with consistent primers and slow-burning powders that produce clean ignition and uniform velocities from round to round. The lead shot is hard antimony composition, carefully rounded and densely packed to resist deformation during firing. That matters because deformed pellets throw erratic patterns. The plastic hull is fully reloadable for those looking to stretch their ammunition budget further, and the design ensures reliable feeding and extraction across most 12-gauge shotguns.
Practical Expectations
These work well for practice and recreational shooting at the range. Field reports show they pattern cleanly and cycle reliably in most modern shotguns, though a few users have mentioned occasional issues with certain gun types piercing primers. For tournament competition where every shot counts, many prefer harder shot, but for knocking down clays during a regular club outing or home practice, these deliver what you need at a reasonable price point. Plan on needing decent ventilation during extended shooting sessions since you'll be putting rounds downrange all day.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2-3/4 inch
- Shot Size: #8
- Shot Weight: 1-1/8 oz
- Muzzle Velocity: 1145 FPS
- Rounds per Case: 250
- Manufacturer: Challenger Ammo
- Manufacturer Part Number: CTA12L8
- UPC: 773622400182
- Hull Type: Reloadable Plastic
- Primer Type: Cheddite
- Shot Composition: Hard Antimony Lead
What’s Included
- 250 rounds of Challenger First Class Target Load 12 gauge ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between #8 and #7.5 shot for target shooting?
Number 8 shot is slightly smaller, producing more pellets per ounce. This means tighter patterns at distance, which is ideal for trap and longer-range clay shooting. Number 7.5 sits between #8 and #7, offering more energy per pellet at the cost of a looser pattern. Either works for target shooting, but #8 is the traditional choice for trap.
Is 1145 FPS too slow for clay shooting?
Not at all. The moderate velocity keeps recoil low while maintaining a flat trajectory suitable for clay targets. Many competitive loaders actually prefer similar velocities because they're easier on shooters during long matches. You'll see plenty of successful trap shooters using 1145 FPS loads.
Can I reload these shells?
Yes. The plastic hulls are fully reloadable, which is why many serious clay shooters buy them. The reloadable hull design means you can reload and reuse them multiple times, which significantly reduces your per-round cost once you have reloading equipment.
Will these work in my shotgun?
These 2-3/4 inch shells fit any standard 12-gauge shotgun with a 2-3/4 inch or longer chamber. Most pump actions, semi-automatics, and over-under shotguns will cycle them fine. If you have an older or less common shotgun, test one box first to make sure feeding and extraction work smoothly.




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