There's not much to it. The shells usually are labeled."target loads", "dove/game loads", "turkey loads", etc. Steel shot is for ducks, Use slugs or buckshot for deer.Brand names are a preference. Whichever is on sale is usually the best load. The exception might be turkey loads or slugs. Most gunsare particular on which one of those it shoots best. You'll have experiment. Invest in some choke tubes if your gun doesn't come with them.