Keep in mind I'm not faulting anyone for choosing a high dollar load or limiting themself to 40 yards just trying to understand the thinking behind the small shot size such as #7. I am struggling to grasp the concept other than it spreads out faster giving you a little wider patter at close range while still retaining pattern density. Personally I found much more value in having a full compliment of larger shot at 50 yards than small shot at 15 yards.