i shoot the biggest and baddest i can find, and 3.5" Heavi Shot #5 is what i settled on. The kick is not that bad, but maybe thats because i'm unconsious for about 5 seconds after the shot. I used to shoot 3.5" steel for ducks, but switched to 3" tungsten matrix and the kill is much better than steel and easier on the shoulder. The 3.5" HS patterns very tight, about cantelope size at 35 steps