Burrard gives the following for Birds under 1 lb weight(445 g)
1760/W = Min pattern, where W = weight in ounces (28.34g). Metric would be 49,880/grams weight.For our Eastern Mourning Dove
"Zenaida macroura carolinensis" the average weight is Male 4,6 ounce ,Female 4,3 oz. On this basis minimum patterns would be 383 and 409.I'll leave it to you to figure out how you tell the sex far enough out to give you time to change loads. Eley shot shells advise 1/2 ft lb of energy (0,07kg/m)with two pellets hit to bring down.
I hope this helps, however I should advise I've never actually shot a mourning dove,only collared doves!! Your actual doves may vary etc. etc.
Damn I wish this rain would ease so I can go woodcock hunting,its 45 deg ( 7c) and very wet here, I'm sure you've got nicer weather than I do.
