There are dove loads and there are dove loads. Opening day/week birds are stupid and "soft". A 7/8 oz. load of 8's at 1200 fps through impr. cyl./light mod. chokes is just the ticket for these.

Fast forward 8 or 10 weeks with a few frosts on the ground and catch those same seasoned, battle-hardened birds riding a cold north wind and you better have at least an ounce of 7 1/2's whistling out the muzzle at 1250/1300 fps.

I'm not saying, I'm just saying...
JR

Be strong, be of good courage.
God bless America, long live the Republic.