Clay “brand” question

I've been very satisfied with the Timbocca brand from Amazon. Almost never even a single broken one. Overall consistency is very good. There is some variation, but I have not noticed it translate into any noticeable issues in the field. At $25.99 for 5000, it's the best value I've found. I looked at the picture that PGN uses to showcase theirs and I was not impressed. Lots of broken ones and several that were shaped like footballs.

Saunders Clodpoppers are probably the most uniform clays that I’ve seen personally but they’re a bit on the large size. If you’re going after cans in a catchbox though you can usually destroy a can and maybe only ruin one or two pieces of ammo. I got a few dozen from a member about 2 years ago and I still have most of them left. This isn’t necessarily a recommendation but more of an informative reply in case you’d like to check them out sometime just for the hell of it.

Half inch clay is my go to ammo. Saunders clod poppers is the most consistent and long lasting. PGN is more cost effective but not as consistent or long lasting. SimpleShot and Pocket Predator both sell clay ammo, have yet to try their versions.

Second the timbocca. Not perfect but the consistency to price can't be best.

I didn't want to start a new post, but I have a clay versus steel question.
Is it common to use clay, because it's cheaper mostly?
I guess I'm asking if clay ammo can cause damage to a aluminum can, then it's not purchased for a safer ammo, but instead a cheaper supply? Wouldn't the weight be so much different than steel, and vary piece to piece?1
Ammo is my next purchase and I've been trying to find the best deal I can on 3/8 steel. Clay ammo I've never shot and I know nothing about it. In the end, is clay ammo moreso a price choice over perfect steel balls, or are there benefits I'm unaware of, aside from not loosing steel shot all over the place, meaning not littering?
Could you guys fill me in on the pros and cons of clay versus steel...

Clay is biodegradable, tends to shatter on impact reducing richochets, and is lighter so arguably safer. Also a lot safer if used near lawns which may have to be mown. Clay tends to be used with lighter bands and accuracy can fall off around 15 metres or so.

In the UK steel is cheaper than any clay I can find, but I'll use clay if necessary for the reasons above.

Squid said:

Clay is biodegradable, tends to shatter on impact reducing richochets, and is lighter so arguably safer. Also a lot safer if used near lawns which may have to be mown. Clay tends to be used with lighter bands and accuracy can fall off around 15 metres or so.

In the UK steel is cheaper than any clay I can find, but I'll use clay if necessary for the reasons above.

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Right on, this makes sense.
For myself I just use steel mostly for the ability to retrieve them with a magnet. The rest of my shooting is into a catchbox or out in the woods.
My hope is to get really accustomed to one ammo size that I can use in the woods or catchbox.
I appreciate you explaining it to me.

I almost shoot only clay 1/2 inch from PMG.It’s great for pest control and will knock out a squirrel if you hit them in the head I shoot at a bell and they all go running.I’ve shot a lot of steel into a catch box and recover it but for the reasons given by squid the past couple of years it’s clay unless I run into a pest that can’t be motivated to move.

5000 pack Timbocca brand from Amazon

Clay vs. Steel

As mentioned, clay is less expensive, biodegradable, can be shot multiple times w/ a catch box (although steel is the clear winner here), will explode when shot into a hard surface (fun!) less chance of ricochet.

I use the same band set ups for 1/2 inch clay and 3/8 inch steel. Half-inch clay is a little easier for me to handle.

Be forewarned - clay is hard-hitting, although not as hard as steel. I routinely cut cans w/ clay. I also gave myself a major hand hematoma w/ a clay ball that I failed to center in my pouch.

I shoot clay the vast majority of the time.

I do like the timbocca -

But honestly, even though it costs more... I really love the ½" L Continue clay a lot more. I've used them all and I love the 7/16" Clod-Poppers as well, but Amazon makes it so easy and I can easily see the ½" blue balls in flight over all of the rest.

Reed Lukens said:

I do like the timbocca -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09W36Q6P3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But honestly, even though it costs more... I really love the ½" L Continue clay a lot more. I've used them all and I love the 7/16" Clod-Poppers as well, but Amazon makes it so easy and I can easily see the ½" blue balls in flight over all of the rest.

Amazon.com : L Continue 1000 Pieces Diameter 1/2" Slingshot Ammo Biodegradable Hard Clay Ball - Blue. : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : L Continue 1000 Pieces Diameter 1/2" Slingshot Ammo Biodegradable Hard Clay Ball - Blue. : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

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Agreed. For 1/2" clay I like the L Continue.

I agree with the others that Timbocca is very very good. I bought 2 packs earlier thus year, I'm about halfway through the 1st pack - the consistency is good enough for 18 yards+. I'm shooting ~15X10+ bands and I'm getting about 265-275fps, it shoots on a flat line and it's more accurate than I am.

I can shoot it in my backyard and don't have to worry about any dangers with the neighbors as it explodes on my hard steel backplate target on contact, a real plus !

Using clay allows me to practice when it's raining, when it's freezing out or when it's windy at any time of day or evening if I wish - and the big plus is I can practice from home without having to travel to my shooting spot -- I'm really liking clay.

wll

wll said:

I agree with the others that Timbocca is very very good. I bought 2 packs earlier thus year, I'm about halfway through the 1st pack - the consistency is good enough for 18 yards+. I'm shooting ~15X10+ bands and I'm getting about 265-275fps, it shoots on a flat line and it's more accurate than I am.

I can shoot it in my backyard and don't have to worry about any dangers with the neighbors as it explodes on my hard steel backplate target on contact, a real plus !

Using clay allows me to practice when it's raining, when it's freezing out or when it's windy at any time of day or evening if I wish - and the big plus is I can practice from home without having to travel to my shooting spot -- I'm really liking clay.

wll

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What thickness of bands are you using?

Timbocca seems like a great deal especially compared to SS $10 for 500. Difference being that Timbocca are 10mm and SS are 12mm if I'm not mistaken. Can anyone speak to how easily it dissolves when wet?

Lefo said:

5000 pack Timbocca brand from Amazon

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Dang that's a great price!
Best I've seen for 3/8 steel is 160.00 for 5000.
That's a huuuuge difference.

SlingshotDave said:

Timbocca seems like a great deal especially compared to SS $10 for 500. Difference being that Timbocca are 10mm and SS are 12mm if I'm not mistaken. Can anyone speak to how easily it dissolves when wet?

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No actual number but very fast. Definitely less than 15 minutes.