Don't forget a 4 to 6 oz dove can fly untouched through a pattern which would put several hits on a 2 to 3 lb Mallard.
Splitting the middle in weight for both categories a 2 lb Mallard has about 7 times the body ares of a 5 oz dove.
I haven't ever forgotten that, Miller. I have made the statement on this board several times that density kills, up to a point of course. The pellets have to retain enough energy at the distance. One of the main reasons for going with smaller pellets for small birds is to increase that density.
By the way, every load I shoot at a dove, whether 1/2 oz. out of a .410 or 7/8 oz. out of a 20, has density that doves cannot fly through. This is accomplished, of course, by using adequate choke, patterning your hunting loads, and only taking shots that are within the range of those good patterns.
Thanks for your comments. As always they are pertinent and accurate, and appreciated.
SRH
