L.Brown, Thanks for the advice. As you see from my post above I keep the pressure low. It's the shot charge that's vexing. My guns were all built pre 1898 and are proofed for the 1oz loads poular at that time. I don't think I can nail a No Dakota pheasent to the ground with 1 oz of shot. So I shoot the 1&1/8 load and it seems to work. At least it keeps me from thinking about it when I pull the trigger. Justin