with a # 5 shot the pellets are a little bit bigger than a 6 shot. I would recommend using the 5 shot..because there is a decent amount of pellets and its also a good size...its not too small..the only problem with shotslower than 4 is that there is less pellets but the pellets are bigger..but you will have a good spread..i use 4 shot and 5 shot buffered loads. Usually winchester. I have had problems with remington shells duck hunting..but they were the cheaper remington duck loads. Im not talking bad about remington..I myself use a camo model 870 supermag and its a great gun.