I've shot quite a bit of the Holland & Holland Royal Game 28 gauge shells with 13/16oz of shot on the sporting clays course and on the skeet field. I've never hunted with a 28. I would think 28 gauge would be effective on birds like quail at short range but other than that I believe 28s are better for use on targets. Yes, some people use them for pheasants and grouse with success but I don't think that's the best application for 28 gauge. Conversely, the 20 gauge has quite a record as a bird getter.

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