I started using the rule of thumb to go down 2 shot sizes (from 6 go 4). They weren't dead in the air like they were with lead, went to steel 3's. That was the ticket for me. For what it's worth, there is a report on steel shot that many game departments post done by Tom Roster and it suggests 2's for average game shots. That would seem too patchy to me, pattern-wise. But obviously, waterfowlers do OK with 2's. I use a skeet choke for pheasants over pointing dogs. Most (maybe all) of our public grounds in WA where pheasants are supplemented require non-toxic shot now. Wish lead were still legal but I just bought a Benelli Ultralight and persevered. Not a double but it handles well, I shoot it fine, and I don't care what I run through it.
Bruce
