You can only load as many as there are targets to be engaged. If targets are knockdown you can't load an extra to pick up a target that dosen't go down.
Start the stage with only as many loaded in the magazine as there are targets to be engaged in the stage directions, chamber empty. . . .but you usually can load off your person to pick up a target on the clock if one doesn't go down.SxS hammered may start with hammers cocked, chambers empty.
Now Folks, before someone jumps all over me, I just reread the rules as written on our NCOWS website and it states loaded on the clock.
BUT, I could swear that summer of 2007 we voted to allow the loading of shotguns up to the maximum called for by stage instructions in the magazine, but empty chamber.
I guess I am going to shuffle over to the sidelines and try not to confuse anyone.