RE: 16 GAUGE WHO LOVES IT?
Scottsman;
For pheasant, I like a 1 1/8 oz load of copper plated (or nickel) #5 shot at about 1300 fps. I can get this using a variety of powders, but my favorites are blue dot, IMR 800-x, and Winchester 540. I use a LOT of herco for 1 oz target and hunting loads, as well as Universal. I use the Remingtons SP16 wad; I see that BP has come out with a 1 1/8-1 1/4 oz wad. My favorite hulls for heavy 16 gauge loads are Federal, Fiocchi, and Activ (and sometimes Winchester AAs). I just got done patterning some of these heavy pheasant loads on turkey targets at 35 yards, and I do think they will do the job!
Country Nate;
It is obvious you have never had the pleasure of handling a well balanced 16 gauge...otherwise you wouldn't be speaking such heresy (not to mention balony!); my Ithica weighs less than 6 pounds.....you haul your 7 pounder all day if you wish, I'll stick to the 16!