Lighter loads are very often appropriate for pheasants, too, Larry. The oz and a quarter loads were pretty much a change in the weather thing for me.
Never shot a box of them in a season. Shot a lot of the Federal 1 1/8 oz 6s and 7 1/2s game loads when the skys were blue and the temps pleasant.
I shot A LOT of pheasants with a 20 gauge Darne loaded with 1 oz of 6s, and usually used the same damn load for grouse.
I think they were high brass Federals, but, I can't be sure from here, some 30 seasons later. I do wish I'd never sold that gun.


Best,
Ted