I assume the Stoeger has 3" chambers as most fixed breech 20 gauge guns do nowadays...

That would allow theoptionusingof 1 1/4 oz. loads, which are equivalent to 12 gauge high brass loads and will dump a pheasant as far away as you would want to shoot one..

That said, the standard 2 3/4" 20 gauge 1 ounce high velocity load is more than adequate for 99% of your shooting , and your shoulder won't take the beating it would take with 3" loads...

My "go to" upland gun for the last 30 years has been a 20 gauge SKB double choked IC/MOD... For grouse, rabbits and woodcock I shoot 7/8 oz. field loads in #6 or 7 1/2.. For pheasants I shoot 1 ounce of #6 shot...