Maybe you bought shells you don't really need. I never bought a high priced box of shells in my life. (73 yrs) I find the ordinary inexpensive low brass work just as well as the high brass magnums on quail and pheasants. But then I did see a case of high brass 16 gauge 1 1/8 oz 12's at a garage sale. I asked the guy what he used them on. He replied, quail. Must have been picking shot out of his teeth at dinner time.
Only time I use magnum is on geese. Well and Turkey.