Don't kid yourself. 2 3/4" loads are just as, or more, powerful as 3" loads. They just hold less shot. I've shot a couple ofbirds at 40 yd. with 2 3/4" loads. Try the Winchester HV loads. With a fixed choke gun, #4's might pattern better than smaller shot in a more open choke. But #6's have more shot. For several years I hunted with an old Win. Mod. 97. It had a pretty tight choke and would pattern #6's nicely at 40 yd. The new tungston turkey loads actually pattern better with an open choke than a tight turkey choke.