RE: Best load for pheasants?
I shoot an automatic 12 ga and actually have had good luck with a variety of loads. I usually have a plug in the gun that limits capacity to three shells. Low brass 6 shot goes in the chamber, high brass 5 shot next, and 3" steel 2 shot after that. This system works well for me because you don't destroy close flushing birds but have sufficient firepower for longer shots. Start with improved cylinder or modified and you will hit a lot more birds. There usually isn't much need for full choke expecially when using steel shot because it patterns tighter than lead anyway.