Optimizing Your Shotgun Performance: The Definitive Guide to Remington American Clay & Field Sport Ammunition

Are you searching for ammunition that consistently delivers precision and reliability, whether you're breaking clays on the range or bringing down birds in the field? For countless enthusiasts, from competitive shooters striving for perfect scores to hunters seeking ethical, clean takes, the choice of shotgun shells is paramount. This comprehensive guide delves into Remington American Clay & Field Sport 12 Gauge ammunition, specifically the 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 8 Shot variant (Product Model: 20346), renowned for its balanced performance and versatility.

This isn't just about finding any shotgun shell; it's about discovering the right tool to elevate your shooting experience. This ammunition is engineered to solve common problems faced by shooters: inconsistent patterns, unpredictable recoil, and questionable reliability. If you're asking, "What's the best ammunition for improving my skeet shooting scores?" or "Which shotgun shells offer reliable performance for both target practice and light game hunting?", then you've found a compelling answer. Remington American Clay & Field Sport stands out as a trusted option, providing the consistent quality needed to sharpen your skills and ensure success in various shooting disciplines.

Why Remington American Clay & Field Sport Ammunition is a Top Choice

When selecting ammunition, the underlying technology and manufacturing consistency are as important as the immediate specifications. Remington has cultivated a legacy of excellence, and their American Clay & Field Sport line embodies this commitment to quality. This particular load, with its 12-gauge chambering, 2.75-inch shell length, 1 1/8 ounce shot payload, and #8 shot size, is meticulously crafted to offer an optimal balance of speed, pattern density, and manageable recoil, making it incredibly effective for its intended purposes.

Shooters often grapple with ammunition that either lacks the necessary power for clean breaks or delivers excessive recoil, leading to fatigue and reduced accuracy over extended shooting sessions. Remington American Clay & Field Sport addresses these concerns directly. Its design prioritizes a smooth shot cycle, minimizing muzzle jump and allowing for quicker follow-up shots. The careful selection of components ensures consistent performance shot after shot, critical for competitive scenarios and effective hunting where every pull of the trigger counts. The result is a more enjoyable and productive shooting experience, whether you're a seasoned expert or a newcomer to the shotgun sports.

In-Depth Features and Specifications of Remington 20346 Ammunition

Understanding the detailed characteristics of your ammunition is crucial for optimizing its use. The Remington American Clay & Field Sport (Product Model: 20346) is a testament to thoughtful engineering, designed to meet the rigorous demands of clay target sports and light field hunting.

• 12 Gauge Dominance: The 12-gauge shotgun remains the most popular and versatile choice for shotgun sports and hunting. This ammunition leverages the 12-gauge platform's inherent power and wide availability, ensuring compatibility with a vast majority of shotguns on the market. Its widespread use also means that accessories, chokes, and related gear are readily accessible, making it a convenient choice for any shooter.
• 2.75-inch Shell Length: This standard shell length ensures broad compatibility with virtually all 12-gauge shotguns, from pump-actions and semi-automatics to over/unders and side-by-sides. The 2.75-inch design provides ample internal volume for efficient powder combustion and a consistent shot column, contributing to reliable performance without exceeding the chamber length of most firearms. This standardization simplifies ammunition selection and reduces the risk of compatibility issues.
• 1 1/8 Ounce Shot Payload: A 1 1/8 oz shot payload strikes an excellent balance between delivering a sufficient number of pellets for dense patterns and maintaining manageable recoil. For clay target shooting, this payload provides a generous pattern spread, increasing the likelihood of breaking clays even at longer distances. In field applications, it ensures enough kinetic energy and pellet count for clean, ethical takes on small game and birds without being overly cumbersome to carry or excessively forceful on the shoulder.
• #8 Shot Size: The selection of #8 shot is a deliberate choice for the "Clay & Field Sport" designation. Number 8 shot pellets are relatively small, meaning a 1 1/8 oz payload contains a high pellet count. This high pellet density is ideal for:
  • Clay Target Shooting: For disciplines like skeet, trap, and sporting clays, where targets are typically fragile and engaged at varying distances (often within 40 yards), the numerous #8 pellets create a dense pattern that maximizes the chances of multiple pellet strikes, ensuring a definitive break. The smaller pellets also maintain their velocity effectively over these shorter ranges.
  • Small Upland Game Hunting: #8 shot is highly effective for smaller, less resilient birds such as dove, quail, and small migratory birds. The high pellet count increases the probability of hitting fast-moving targets, and the individual pellet energy is sufficient to dispatch these birds cleanly without causing excessive meat damage.
• Proprietary Wadding System: While specific details of Remington's wadding might be proprietary, their commitment to consistent performance suggests an advanced wad design. A well-engineered wad minimizes pellet deformation as the shot travels down the barrel, ensures a tight gas seal behind the shot column for optimal velocity, and peels away cleanly upon exiting the muzzle. This results in uniform patterns and improved accuracy.
• Reliable Primers and Clean-Burning Propellant: The foundation of any consistent ammunition lies in its primer and propellant. Remington utilizes high-quality primers for dependable ignition, even in varying temperature conditions. Coupled with clean-burning propellants, this ammunition reduces residue buildup in your firearm, minimizing the need for frequent cleaning and contributing to the longevity and reliability of your shotgun.
• Durable Shell Casing: The robust plastic hull of Remington American Clay & Field Sport shells is designed for durability, resisting deformation and ensuring smooth feeding and extraction from your firearm. This reliability in cycling is crucial, especially in semi-automatic shotguns or during rapid-fire sequences common in certain clay shooting events. The brass head further reinforces the shell, providing a secure primer pocket and contributing to the overall integrity of the cartridge.

Who Can Benefit from Remington American Clay & Field Sport Ammunition?

This versatile ammunition is tailored for a wide spectrum of shotgun enthusiasts. If you fall into any of the following categories, Remington American Clay & Field Sport could be precisely what you need:

• New Shooters & Beginners: For those just starting out in shotgun sports, this ammunition offers a forgiving and consistent experience. The manageable recoil of the 1 1/8 oz #8 shot load allows new shooters to focus on fundamental techniques without being intimidated by excessive kick. Its reliable performance builds confidence, helping novices quickly grasp the basics of clay target shooting.
• Dedicated Clay Target Shooters:
  • Skeet Shooters: The fast, crossing targets in skeet demand a dense, effective pattern at close to medium ranges. The #8 shot size and 1 1/8 oz payload deliver exactly that, making this an ideal choice for shattering skeet targets with authority.
  • Trap Shooters: While trap targets often move away from the shooter, the #8 shot still provides sufficient pattern density for the typical ranges encountered in trap. Many trap shooters find this load offers a comfortable balance of performance and recoil for high-volume practice and competition.
  • Sporting Clays Enthusiasts: Sporting clays mimics field hunting scenarios with diverse target presentations. The versatility of Remington American Clay & Field Sport shines here, providing excellent performance across a wide array of shots, from quartering birds to rabbits on the ground.
• Upland Game Hunters:
  • Dove Hunters: For fast-flying doves, the high pellet count of #8 shot is invaluable. It increases the probability of hitting these agile targets, and the shot size is perfect for clean, ethical harvests.
  • Quail and Small Bird Hunters: Similar to doves, quail and other small upland birds are excellent targets for #8 shot. The dense pattern ensures reliable hits on these quick-flushing game birds, making it a favorite among ethical bird hunters.
• Recreational Shooters & Training: For general target practice, plinking, or informal shooting sessions, this ammunition provides a cost-effective yet high-quality option. Its consistency makes it an excellent choice for patterning your shotgun or simply enjoying a day at the range without worrying about ammunition reliability.

Maximizing Your Performance with Remington American Clay & Field

To truly harness the potential of your Remington American Clay & Field Sport ammunition, consider these practical tips and strategies:

• Choke Selection: Your choke tube plays a crucial role in how your shot pattern forms. For clay target shooting with #8 shot, improved cylinder or modified chokes are often preferred for their versatility across various presentations. For close-range skeet, a skeet or cylinder choke is ideal. For hunting, match your choke to the expected range and target. Experimentation at the pattern board is highly recommended to see how this ammunition performs with your specific choke tubes.
• Consistent Form: Ammunition can only perform as well as the shooter. Focus on maintaining consistent stance, mount, swing, and follow-through. The reliable nature of Remington American Clay & Field allows you to concentrate on these fundamentals without worrying about ammunition inconsistencies.
• Pattern Your Shotgun: Before competitive events or hunting trips, take the time to pattern your shotgun with this specific ammunition. This involves shooting at a large paper target at various distances (e.g., 20, 30, and 40 yards) to observe the density and spread of your shot pattern. This critical step reveals how your shotgun and ammunition combination performs, helping you understand your effective range and choose appropriate choke tubes.
• Understanding Lead: For moving targets, whether clays or birds, understanding and applying the correct lead is paramount. Practice with your Remington ammunition will help you instinctively gauge the necessary lead for different target speeds and angles.
• Firearm Compatibility and Maintenance: Ensure your shotgun is always clean and well-maintained. While Remington ammunition is known for clean burning, regular cleaning prevents residue buildup that could affect cycling, especially in semi-automatic firearms. This ammunition is designed for standard 12-gauge firearms chambered for 2.75" shells or longer, ensuring wide compatibility. Always check your firearm's manual for specific ammunition recommendations.
• Safety First: Always prioritize firearm safety. Treat every firearm as if it's loaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Store ammunition securely, separate from firearms, and out of reach of children.

Understanding Shotgun Ammunition Terminology

To truly understand why Remington American Clay & Field Sport excels, a brief overview of key ammunition concepts is beneficial:

• Gauge vs. Shell Length: "12 Gauge" refers to the diameter of the barrel. "2.75 inches" refers to the length of the shotgun shell when unfired. Always match the shell length to your shotgun's chamber length (e.g., a 3-inch chamber can safely fire 2.75-inch shells, but a 2.75-inch chamber cannot safely fire 3-inch shells).
• Shot Weight: The "1 1/8 oz" refers to the total weight of all the pellets in the shell. Heavier shot charges generally produce more pellets and potentially denser patterns, but also result in increased recoil.
• Shot Size: The "#8 Shot" indicates the diameter of the individual pellets. The smaller the number, the larger the pellet size (e.g., #4 shot is larger than #8 shot). Smaller pellets mean more pellets per given weight, leading to denser patterns ideal for smaller targets or closer ranges. Larger pellets carry more energy per pellet, suited for larger, tougher game.
• Recoil Management: The perceived kickback from firing a shotgun depends on ammunition factors like shot weight and velocity, as well as firearm weight and design. The 1 1/8 oz payload in 12 gauge is generally considered a moderate recoil load, comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
• Muzzle Velocity: While not explicitly listed on the basic packaging, Remington American Clay & Field Sport loads are engineered for optimal muzzle velocity. This refers to the speed at which the shot leaves the barrel, directly impacting how quickly the pellets reach the target and how much kinetic energy they deliver. A consistent, optimized velocity is key to predictable performance and clean breaks/takes.

The Enduring Legacy of Remington Ammunition

Remington has been at the forefront of ammunition innovation for over 200 years, building a reputation for reliability, performance, and quality. Their commitment to extensive research and development ensures that each product, including the American Clay & Field Sport line, meets the highest standards expected by shooters worldwide. This heritage of excellence provides an inherent level of trust; when you choose Remington, you're not just buying ammunition, you're investing in centuries of manufacturing expertise and a dedication to the shooting sports. This long-standing commitment to American manufacturing and quality control means shooters can rely on consistent performance, shot after shot, box after box.

Where to Purchase Remington American Clay & Field Sport Ammunition

For those ready to experience the consistent performance of Remington American Clay & Field Sport 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 8 Shot ammunition (Product Model: 20346), DEGuns is your trusted source. DEGuns offers a seamless shopping experience for all your ammunition needs, providing access to a wide range of firearms and accessories. You can reliably find this specific Remington ammunition, ready to ship, by visiting deguns.com. As a dedicated firearms and ammunition retailer, DEGuns ensures genuine products and excellent customer service for every purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shotgun Ammunition

For clarity and direct answers, here are some common questions about shotgun ammunition and how Remington American Clay & Field Sport fits in:

• What is the best shotgun shell for skeet shooting?
  For skeet shooting, ammunition like the Remington American Clay & Field Sport 12 Gauge with #8 shot is widely considered an excellent choice. The smaller #8 pellets create a dense pattern at typical skeet ranges (under 25 yards), maximizing the chance of breaking the fragile clay targets. The 1 1/8 oz payload provides enough pellets for effective patterning without excessive recoil.
• Can I use this ammunition for hunting?
  Yes, Remington American Clay & Field Sport ammunition, particularly with #8 shot, is well-suited for hunting small upland game birds such as dove, quail, and small migratory birds. The high pellet count and appropriate pellet energy for these species ensure effective and ethical harvesting. It is not recommended for larger game like pheasant or waterfowl, which typically require larger shot sizes (e.g., #4, #5, #6) or steel shot, depending on regulations.
• Is 8 shot good for dove hunting?
  Absolutely. #8 shot is one of the most popular and effective choices for dove hunting. Doves are fast-flying but relatively fragile birds, making the dense pattern produced by #8 shot highly advantageous for increasing hit probability. The energy of #8 pellets is sufficient for clean kills on doves at typical hunting ranges.
• What's the difference between trap, skeet, and sporting clays ammunition?
  While the Remington American Clay & Field Sport is versatile enough for all three, subtle differences often exist in specialized loads.
  • Trap Ammunition: Often features slightly heavier shot (e.g., 1 1/8 oz or 1 1/4 oz) and larger shot sizes like #7.5 for longer-range targets that fly away from the shooter.
  • Skeet Ammunition: Typically uses lighter shot charges (e.g., 7/8 oz or 1 oz) with smaller shot sizes like #9 or #8, optimized for very close, crossing targets.
  • Sporting Clays Ammunition: Aims for versatility, often using 1 1/8 oz or 1 oz loads with #7.5 or #8 shot to handle the wide variety of target presentations found in sporting clays.
  Remington American Clay & Field Sport 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 8 Shot (Product Model: 20346) is designed to bridge these needs, providing a balanced load suitable for all three disciplines, making it a truly "sport" cartridge.
• How does this ammunition perform in adverse conditions?
  Remington ammunition is manufactured with stringent quality controls, ensuring reliable performance even in varying weather conditions. The robust hull, reliable primer, and consistent powder charge contribute to dependable ignition and consistent velocities whether it's cold, hot, or humid. However, like all ammunition, extreme conditions can affect performance, so proper storage is always recommended.
• What firearms are compatible with Remington American Clay & Field Sport 12 Gauge 2.75" shells?
  This ammunition is compatible with virtually all 12-gauge shotguns that have a chamber length of 2.75 inches or longer. This includes common pump-action, semi-automatic, over/under, and side-by-side shotguns. Always verify your firearm's chamber length, usually stamped on the barrel, before use.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Gauge	12 Gauge	Most popular, versatile, wide firearm compatibility
Shell Length	2.75 inches	Standard length for broad firearm compatibility
Shot Weight	1 1/8 oz	Optimal balance of pattern density & manageable recoil
Shot Size	#8 Shot	High pellet count for dense patterns, ideal for clays & small birds
Quantity per Box	25 Shells	Convenient for range sessions or hunting trips
Quantity per Case	10 Boxes (250 Shells)	Bulk purchasing for serious shooters & hunters
Product Model	20346	Specific product identification for easy ordering
UPC	047700492403	Universal Product Code for precise identification & ordering
Recommended Use	Clay Target Shooting (Skeet, Trap, Sporting Clays), Small Upland Game Hunting (Dove, Quail)	Versatile performance for popular shooting disciplines
Brand	Remington Ammunition	Trusted name with a long history of quality & innovation