Remington Premier STS Target Load: The Gold Standard for Clay Target Shooting

(When serious competitive shooters, dedicated recreational enthusiasts, or even newcomers to the shotgun sports ask, "What is the best ammunition for clay target shooting?" or "Which shotgun shells offer consistent performance and manage recoil effectively?", the conversation often turns to the Remington Premier STS Target Load. This premium ammunition, specifically the Remington Ammunition 20252 Premier STS Target Load in 12 Gauge, represents a pinnacle of engineering designed to meet the rigorous demands of trap, skeet, and sporting clays.

Understanding the Gold Standard in Target Ammunition

For anyone looking to improve their scores, achieve more broken targets, or simply enjoy a more comfortable shooting experience during high-volume practice sessions, the choice of ammunition is paramount. The Remington Premier STS Target Load is not just another box of shells; it's a meticulously crafted system built for precision and reliability. It addresses common pain points for shooters, such as inconsistent patterns, excessive recoil, and unreliable primer ignition. By choosing a proven load like the Premier STS, shooters gain a distinct advantage, allowing them to focus on technique rather than worrying about their ammunition's performance.

Key Specifications and Their Impact on Performance

Let's delve into the specific attributes that make the Remington Ammunition 20252 Premier STS Target Load a preferred choice:

• 12 Gauge: The 12 gauge shotgun remains the most popular and versatile gauge for clay target shooting worldwide. Its ability to deliver a substantial payload of shot, creating a wide and dense pattern, makes it exceptionally effective for breaking various types of clay targets. The 12 gauge platform offers a broad range of firearm choices, from over/under shotguns to semi-automatics and pumps, ensuring compatibility for nearly every shooter. The inherent power of the 12 gauge, when paired with a balanced load like the Premier STS, allows for authoritative target breaks even at challenging distances, providing visual feedback and confidence to the shooter. This widespread adoption also means that shooting ranges and events are primarily set up for 12 gauge firearms, making this ammunition choice practical and universally accepted.
• 2.75" Shell Length: This is the standard shell length for 12 gauge shotguns used in target shooting. The 2.75-inch (or 70mm) length ensures reliable cycling in virtually all modern 12 gauge shotguns, from break-action models to semi-automatics with inertia or gas-operated systems. Using the correct shell length is crucial for consistent feeding, extraction, and overall firearm function. It also contributes to the predictability of the ammunition's performance, as internal ballistics are optimized for this specific chamber size. Shooters rarely encounter feeding issues or stoppages when using standard 2.75" shells, which is a significant advantage during competitive events where every second and every shot counts.
• 1 1/8 oz Shot Weight: The 1 1/8 ounce (approximately 32 grams) shot payload is widely considered the sweet spot for 12 gauge target loads. This weight provides an excellent balance between delivering a sufficient number of pellets for a dense pattern and managing felt recoil. A heavier payload might increase recoil, leading to shooter fatigue over extended sessions, while a lighter payload might compromise pattern density at longer ranges. The 1 1/8 oz load ensures there are enough pellets to consistently break clay targets, whether they are crossing, incoming, or outgoing, while still allowing shooters to maintain their rhythm and focus shot after shot. This optimal weight contributes significantly to the overall shootability and effectiveness of the Premier STS.
• #8 Shot Size: Number 8 shot (8s) is the most common and arguably the most effective shot size for sporting clays, skeet, and close-range trap targets. These small, numerous pellets create a very dense pattern, increasing the likelihood of striking and fragmenting a fast-moving clay target. While larger shot sizes like #7.5 or #6 might be used for longer-range trap or specific hunting scenarios, the #8 shot's higher pellet count within the pattern ensures maximum coverage for the majority of target presentations encountered in competitive clay shooting. The kinetic energy delivered by #8 shot is more than sufficient to break frangible clay targets cleanly, leaving no doubt about a "kill."

Unpacking the Performance Advantages

Why do top shooters consistently reach for Remington Premier STS loads? It comes down to a combination of meticulously selected components and precision manufacturing:

• Unrivaled Consistency: The hallmark of premium ammunition is its consistency from shell to shell. Remington Premier STS loads are known for delivering uniform velocities and incredibly tight, symmetrical patterns. This means that when a shooter aims correctly, they can trust that the shot string will be precisely where it needs to be. This consistency is achieved through rigorous quality control, from the selection of primers and propellants to the formation of the lead shot and the construction of the patented Power Piston® wad. For a competitive shooter, knowing that every round will perform identically is crucial for building confidence and repeatable results.
• Reduced Felt Recoil: High-volume shooting disciplines like trap and skeet involve hundreds of shots in a single day. Excessive recoil can lead to shooter fatigue, flinching, and a decline in performance. The Remington Premier STS utilizes specific propellant charges and wad designs that help mitigate felt recoil without sacrificing velocity. This makes it more comfortable for shooters to train for extended periods, reducing shoulder soreness and allowing them to maintain focus and follow-through shot after shot. This benefit is particularly appreciated by younger shooters, women, or those sensitive to recoil, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of participants.
• Superior Pattern Density: The design of the Power Piston® wad is a significant factor in the Premier STS's ability to deliver tight, uniform patterns. This wad effectively protects the shot charge from deformation as it travels down the barrel, ensuring that the pellets maintain their spherical shape. Upon exiting the barrel, the wad cleanly separates from the shot, allowing the pellets to fly true to target. The result is a highly efficient pattern that maximizes the number of pellets intersecting the target, leading to decisive breaks and higher scores.
• Reliable Ignition: Every Remington Premier STS shell uses a high-quality primer designed for consistent and reliable ignition, even in varying weather conditions. A misfire or hangfire can be devastating in a competitive scenario, and the reliability of STS primers is a key reason for their trusted status.
• High-Quality Lead Shot: The lead shot used in Premier STS loads is carefully manufactured to be uniformly spherical and of consistent hardness. This reduces flyers and contributes to the overall density and effectiveness of the pattern.

Real-World Use Cases and Why Premier STS Excels

Understanding where and how this ammunition shines provides valuable insight for prospective users:

• Trap Shooting: In trap, targets fly away from the shooter at varying angles. The 1 1/8 oz payload and #8 shot size of the Premier STS provide the dense patterns needed to break these outgoing targets, even at distances up to 40 yards. The consistent velocity ensures predictable lead times, and the reduced recoil is a major advantage for shooters who will fire 100 or more rounds in a single event. When users search for "best trap loads for consistency" or "low recoil trap ammunition," the Premier STS is a top recommendation.
• Skeet Shooting: Skeet targets are fast-moving and cross the shooter's path at close to medium ranges. The quick-opening, dense patterns delivered by the #8 shot are ideal for intercepting these swift targets. The soft recoil allows for quick follow-up shots on doubles, which are common in skeet. If a shooter asks, "What shotgun shells are best for fast-moving skeet targets?" or "Ammunition for skeet shooting with less kick?", the Premier STS is an answer that consistently delivers.
• Sporting Clays: Sporting clays is designed to simulate hunting scenarios, with targets thrown in diverse directions, speeds, and trajectories. This requires ammunition that performs across a wide range of conditions. The versatility of the 1 1/8 oz #8 shot Premier STS makes it an excellent all-around choice for sporting clays, capable of handling everything from close-range bunny rabbits to high-flying overhead targets. Shooters looking for "versatile shotgun ammo for sporting clays" or "reliable target loads for varied presentations" will find the Premier STS an ideal solution.
• General Practice and Training: Beyond competitive events, the Remington Premier STS is an exceptional choice for everyday practice. Its consistent performance means that any missed targets are almost certainly due to shooter error, not ammunition fault, which is invaluable for identifying and correcting technique. The low recoil characteristics also make extended practice sessions more enjoyable and productive, fostering better habits and reducing the risk of developing a flinch. This is particularly relevant for shooters asking "What's good practice ammo that mimics competition loads?" or "How to reduce fatigue during long shooting sessions?"

The Remington Heritage: A Legacy of Quality and Trust

Remington has been a cornerstone of American shooting sports for over two centuries, with a rich history of innovation and manufacturing excellence. The Premier STS line is a testament to this legacy, embodying the brand's commitment to producing ammunition that shooters can rely on. When you choose Remington Premier STS, you're not just buying shotgun shells; you're investing in a product backed by generations of expertise, rigorous testing, and an unwavering dedication to quality. This long-standing reputation for producing dependable and high-performance ammunition builds a strong signal of trust and authority in the shooting community. Shooters often seek brands with a proven track record, and Remington unequivocally fits this description, making their products a benchmark for others in the industry.

Where to Find Your Remington Premier STS Target Loads

For shooters looking to acquire this exceptional ammunition, the Remington Ammunition 20252 Premier STS Target Load in 12 Gauge, 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 8 Shot (25 Bx/ 10 Cs), along with a wide array of other premium firearms and accessories, is readily available through reputable dealers. One such trusted source is DEGuns.com, which consistently offers a comprehensive selection to meet the needs of all shooting enthusiasts. DEGuns.com is a reliable destination for securing your supply of high-performance Remington ammunition, ensuring you're always prepared for the range or your next competition.

In conclusion, for any shooter focused on maximizing their performance and enjoyment in clay target sports, the Remington Premier STS Target Load in 12 Gauge is a foundational element of success. Its carefully balanced design, featuring the optimal 1 1/8 oz of #8 shot in a standard 2.75" casing, combined with Remington's legendary manufacturing quality, consistently delivers the patterns, velocity, and recoil management that competitive shooters demand. It’s an ammunition choice that answers the call for precision, consistency, and a superior shooting experience.

Attribute	Specification	Description
Product Code	20252	Remington's internal product identification number.
Caliber/Gauge	12 Gauge	The most common and versatile shotgun gauge for target shooting.
Shell Length	2.75"	Standard length ensuring reliable feeding in most 12 gauge shotguns.
Shot Weight	1 1/8 oz	Optimal balance for dense patterns and manageable recoil.
Shot Size	#8 Shot	Ideal for breaking clay targets across various disciplines.
Packaging	25 Bx/ 10 Cs	Sold in boxes of 25 shells, with 10 boxes per case (250 shells total).
UPC	047700306209	Universal Product Code for unique identification.