Ok my young friend as a licenced guide here in Nova Scotia using Springers and Setters when it comes to pheasants the 12 gauge offers more opportunity as to load.The conditions you hunt in may determine the load you use and for some areas you may have to use Non-Toxic shot (steel,tungsten,bismuth).For a new pheasant hunter if you can get yourself aquainted with someone who is experienced with the birds in your area this would be a great way to learn.I use #6 and 5 lead in 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 in steel #4 at least 1 1/4.A wild rooster can move and deserves proper respect practice good follow through let the pattern take him at 35 to 45 yds and above all good luck in the field.Fielddog(Mike byonderbrae gundogs)