I've hunted [wild] pheasants in all kinds of cover that presents most shot scenarios and can't remember losing a bird because it wasn't hit 'hard enough' or with 'big enough' shot. Primarily I use a 12 ga. SW with 65mm S&B #6's or B&P Gold 65mm #6's (diamond shot as I recall, not that it matters?). I believe that Euro #6 shot would be considered #7 in the US. These shells are easy on my old gun and probably on me as well. In 20 ga. I do use 3" shells if available and b/c my Superposed handles them, but go with regular #6 shot. The birds aren't crippled and if a hun presents a shot I don't have to worry about obliterating it with a bigger heavier load. In my opinion, the pheasant is not a tough bird to kill if you hit it.
Respectfully,
jmc
