I consider 1.25 oz. a heavy load. To each his own, but I have been shooting doves for 58 seasons, and have never seen the need for 1.25 oz. of shot for any dove situation. I would say that 99% of my doves have been killed with 3/4 to 1 oz. of shot. Even the highest flying old tough late season migratory birds can be brought down cleanly with 1 oz. 7 1/2s and enough choke.
Years ago I used to shoot woodies with 1 1/4 oz. 7 1/2s, effectively too. Maybe you meant to say 1.125 instead of 1.25 ??
Best, SRH
Stan,
Though I do sometimes use them for dove, I mostly use this load for grouse. I don't have a dog, so my shots can be a bit more difficult - a fuller pattern helps. I thought they were called "dove loads" per Rio, but upon additional research, it's actually called "Texas Game Load". It has a picture of a dove on the box, hence the name confusion. But like I said, I HAVE used these 1 1/4oz loads on dove as well as the Rio 1 1/8oz in 7.5 both with good success. I've also used the Rio bismuth loads on woodies, however, I prefer the bismuth loads made by Kent. I'm not sure of the difference between the two shells, but I've been much more impressed with the performance of the Kent.
Additionally, Stan, if you're able to reliably drop birds with small amounts of shot, my hat goes off to you sir. That's admirable. However, I do not have a dog and many times I hunt on crowded public lands with other gents skyblasting at any feather they see. I currently do not have the means or ownership of my own large tracts of land that I can groom especially for my own hunting of game birds. Because of these facts and because I have to use my eyes to find downed birds (again - no dog), I prefer them to be stone dead when they hit the ground. I hate to cause game animals unnecessary suffering or worse, allow them to end up injured and lost. Because of all these things, I choose the shells related to my ability and my situation. I have hunted with success with light loads in my 16s and 20s, but unless the gun is of very old vintage, I typically hunt with 1 1/8oz - 1 1/4oz in my 12s. That is just me and what I feel comfortable to hunt with in my situation. If you are successful with much lighter loads in your hunting situation, you have my respect sir. Please do not take this as an offense.
Caleb
