I personally like the Federal Premium #2's 1-1/4 load. Good all around. I hunt bigger water mostly or potholes. I shoot them through a carlsons LightModified choke. My shotto kill ratio has went to 2or3 shots to a kill. I'm still learning the game and usally try to keep the ducks at a good safe and close difference. No pass shooting here. 2's will kill geese to, if you keep 'em at the right distance and dont pass shoot at the moon!