Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge Review

Inside the Experience: The Unsung Hero of the Shotgun Shell

As someone who spends a significant amount of time in environments ranging from bustling workshops to precise laboratories and the unpredictable outdoors, I’ve developed a keen appreciation for components that perform reliably and consistently. The Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge fall squarely into this category, offering a fundamental yet crucial element for anyone reloading shotshells. I found myself needing a consistent supply of these for my 20-gauge reloads, specifically for clays and light field loads, as my previous batch of generic wads began showing signs of inconsistency.

Upon first inspection, these wads present a utilitarian design. They feel robust enough for their intended purpose without being overly rigid or brittle. There wasn’t much to “feel” in terms of premium materials, but the construction seemed sound and intended for function. I had briefly considered a different manufacturer’s wad that promised some novel cushioning technology, but ultimately stuck with a known quantity. My initial reaction was one of quiet satisfaction; the pack was sealed well, and the quantity was as advertised.

Real-World Testing: Putting Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge to the Test

My testing primarily occurred at my home reloading bench and subsequently at the local shooting range during several trap and skeet sessions. I meticulously loaded batches of 20-gauge shells using these wads, alternating with my existing, albeit dwindling, stock of another brand. This allowed for direct comparison under identical loading conditions and external factors.

First Use Experience

The first few hundred rounds loaded with the Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge felt entirely unremarkable, which, in my line of work, is a significant compliment. They fed smoothly into the shell casings during the reloading process, and the shot column seated consistently each time. I experienced no instances of the wad binding or tearing during the crimping stage, a common annoyance with lesser quality components.

During actual shooting, the performance was exactly as expected for a target load. The clay pigeons broke cleanly, and the shot patterns were tight and consistent at typical clay-shooting distances. I didn’t encounter any blow-by, which is a critical indicator of a good seal between the wad and the shotgun bore. Even after a long afternoon of shooting, with the shotgun getting a bit warm and dusty, the wads performed without a hitch.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks turned into months, and this pack of Remington wads became my go-to for 20-gauge reloading. I’ve now loaded well over a thousand rounds using these wads, and they continue to impress with their unwavering consistency. There have been no noticeable signs of degradation in their performance or physical integrity.

Durability has been excellent. I’ve intentionally dropped a few on the concrete floor of my workshop – a common mishap in any busy environment – and they’ve held up without fracturing. The stitched petal design, which I initially viewed as a minor detail, has proven its worth in easing the seating process and maintaining its shape. Compared to some older, brittle wads I’ve encountered, these feel significantly more resilient.

Maintenance is essentially non-existent for the wads themselves; they are single-use components. Storage is straightforward, as they come in a substantial 100-pack bulk quantity, requiring minimal space in my reloading supplies cabinet. I haven’t had to do any specific cleaning or care beyond keeping them dry and out of direct sunlight.

Breaking Down the Features of Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge

Specifications

The Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge are designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind. Each wad is a one-piece unit, combining the shot cup and wad column into a single, integral component. This design is intended to provide a good seal and a consistent launch for the payload.

The manufacturer, Remington, has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable ammunition components. These target wads are specifically for 20 Gauge shotguns, a versatile gauge popular for both sporting and small game hunting. The quantity provided in this package is a substantial 500 units, offering excellent value for avid reloaders.

Each wad has a weight of approximately 0.875 oz. This weight is factored into load data to ensure predictable performance and safe pressures. The materials used are a durable plastic, designed to withstand the pressures and heat generated during firing without deforming excessively.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a shotshell wad is to seal the bore, separate the powder from the shot, and guide the shot charge down the barrel. The Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge excel at this fundamental task. The one-piece design creates a reliable gas seal, preventing propellant gases from escaping around the shot column.

This tight seal directly translates to more consistent velocities and, consequently, more predictable shot patterns. I found that the loads I developed using these wads delivered tight, even patterns at ranges typical for clay sports. The shot cup portion effectively contains the shot until it clears the barrel, minimizing pellet deformation and allowing for cleaner breaks.

The main strength of these wads lies in their unwavering consistency. Every single wad performs identically, which is paramount for precision reloading. The only “weakness,” if one could call it that, is their singular focus on target loads; they aren’t designed for magnum hunting loads where specialized wads might offer additional advantages.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge is a testament to functional simplicity. The stitched petal design is a key element here, providing flexibility during seating while ensuring a snug fit within the shotshell hull. This design facilitates easier feeding into the hull during the reloading process.

Constructed from a durable, yet pliable, plastic, these wads feel sturdy. They possess a satisfying heft that suggests they won’t easily break or deform under pressure. The surface is smooth, designed to slide easily down the barrel, and the shot cup is deep enough to accommodate various shot loads common for the 20-gauge.

The Remington factory quality design is evident in the precise molding and uniform construction. There are no rough edges or inconsistencies that could cause hang-ups or erratic performance. This attention to detail in manufacturing contributes significantly to the overall user experience and the reliability of the reloaded ammunition.

Durability & Maintenance

These wads are designed for a single use, meaning their durability is measured by their ability to withstand the stresses of a single shot. In this regard, they are more than adequate. The plastic is resilient enough to prevent tearing or premature separation during firing.

As mentioned, maintenance is not a factor for these consumable components. Proper storage is the only care required. Keeping them in their original packaging or a well-sealed container will protect them from moisture and dust, ensuring they remain in optimal condition for reloading.

Potential failure points are minimal, primarily related to improper seating during the reloading process. However, the stitched petal design makes proper seating quite straightforward. I have not encountered any instances of these wads failing in the field or on the bench due to material defects.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge are, by their nature, a singular component. They do not typically come with accessories, nor do they offer direct customization in the way a firearm or electronic device might. Their role is to be a precise part within a larger system – the shotshell.

However, the true “accessory” for these wads is the reloading press and associated dies. These tools are essential for integrating the wads into a functional shotshell. The wads themselves are designed to be compatible with standard 20-gauge shotshell hulls and common reloading data.

While there aren’t accessories for the wads themselves, they are part of a system where choices about powder, primer, and shot type offer immense customization. The quality of the wad ensures that these other choices can be expressed reliably.

Pros and Cons of Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge

Who Should Buy Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge?

These wads are an ideal choice for any reloader focused on 20 Gauge target shooting. Whether you participate in trap, skeet, sporting clays, or simply enjoy recreational shooting with lighter loads, these wads will serve you exceptionally well. They are perfect for those who prioritize consistency and value in their reloading components.

Individuals looking for wads specifically for heavy magnum hunting loads might need to explore other specialized options. However, for the vast majority of 20-gauge target applications, these wads are more than sufficient. I would strongly recommend that anyone new to reloading 20-gauge shells consider these as their primary wad choice due to their ease of use and reliability.

For those looking to maximize their reloading experience, ensuring you have accurate powder charges and high-quality shot is key. These wads complement those choices perfectly, providing the crucial foundation for accurate and consistent ammunition.

Conclusion on Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge

The Remington Power Piston Target Wads 20 Gauge are a testament to effective, no-nonsense component design. They perform their critical function with unwavering reliability, providing reloaders with a foundation of consistency that is essential for developing accurate ammunition. The 500-count quantity at the given price point represents excellent value, making them an economically sound choice for frequent reloaders.

While they are primarily optimized for target loads, their robust construction and consistent performance make them a standout option for their intended purpose. I would not hesitate to recommend these wads to any 20 Gauge reloader looking for dependable performance without breaking the bank. They are a component that consistently gets the job done, allowing shooters to focus on their craft rather than worrying about their ammunition.