I am nearly always "standing alone" in the low velocity/lower shot weight camp when hunting or shooting clays with my buds. I don't believe 1 1/8 oz. of shot is necessary to break clay birds, either. But I use these Estate loads because they are so slow, the recoil is low, they are relatively cheap, and they pattern great.
In talking with my fellow dove shooters, while we're standing around the trucks discussing the more important things in life ............. such as guns, loads and where to use them, the subject of best loads for doves often comes up. Given my gentle, but piercing way of debating such things
I occasionally will ask what they think was the ideal lead shot charge for big ducks, back in our salad days. They will almost always reply with 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 oz. I then propose the question ............. "Given that a mature mallard weighs about 2 -3 lbs., and 1 3/8 oz. of lead will deck him, why do you feel like 1 1/8 oz. of lead is necessary to kill a dove that weighs 4 - 6 ounces?"
The responses are either blank stares or sheepish looks, with no answer. One fellow might say something like "I just think it kills 'em better, or deader". I then ask them to explain why I seem to be able to hold my own with them shooting 1/2 oz. to 7/8 oz. loads. No answers, usually.
Then I am reminded of my Dad's old cliche that "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still".
SRH
