Stan,
#9s work just fine on clays to about 25 yds. #8.5s are noticeably more reliabl past that point. I'm told #9s work OK on woodcock. But in ME the WC and ruffed seasons overlap. So I have not gone smaller than #8s for field use. Even then, I prefer #7.5s.
Bridging in small .410 drop tubes is just a statistical function of shot size. Rarely, I've had #9s hang up with my 9000. #8.5s will more often make a mess. I don't try to load #8s in .410, as I lack the requisite patience. I'd rather just purchase factory loads in those larger shot sizes.
Sam
