RE: What's your favorite load for Pheasant?
In my opinion there is a big difference between wild birds and perserve or planted birds. I have been fortunate to shoot many wild birds and yes 7 1/2 will work for close shots 6's are ok too. After the first week I like 4,5,s in heavy loads, even with pointing dogs shots can be long even in heavy cover plus pheasonts can be tough to find after being downed. Try hunting pheasants late in the year in hard hunted areas with 7 1/2's and you may go home empty handed.