Here's some good threads discussing payload and shot size for wild birds:
http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=186&start=15 http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=945 http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=192http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2067Didn't wish to add the 'skunk squirtin' match' that these questions lead to over on SS BB.
I also went back through these threads to put together a rough 'poll' as to shot size and 16g loads used for pheasants. Everybody pretty much agreed ANY load will kill a pheasant if you can shoot them in the head, the problem is the late season and going away bird AND everybody agreed you need to adjust the load to the circumstances. Most everybody also agreed that wild pheasants are such a prize (gift) that we are obligated to use loads that will reliable kill them dead in the air.
mod11rem- 1 1/8 4s
Dr 16g- 6s
16GG- 1 oz 6s to 1 3/8 4s
Larry Brown liked B&P 7s and 6s and Kent Upland
TJC- 1 1/8 Super-X and esp. Fiocchi GP in 6s
SquareLoad- 5s
Cedar 16-5s
brdhnt- GPs 5s
Longwalker- 1 1/8 5s
jparkers- 1 oz 6 to 1 3/8 4s
Wolfchief- 1oz 6
JC Morella- 1 oz 5s and 6s
NE- 1 oz 71/2 and 6
kb- 5s
The low life philistines I hunt with in S. Dakota all shoot SBEs or Montefeltros and the outfitter almost demands they use Federal Premium Wing Shok 1 and 1/4 oz 4s to avoid lost birds-and indeed the birds are dead when they hit the ground. I can't handle that recoil and have used the 12g 1 and 1/8 oz load but wish they'd make it in 5s.
