Perry, I use and have used both. For clays I only use 2 1/2" , 1/2 ounce loads. That is the maximum allowed in competition so I limit myself to that.
However, in the field I make use of the maximum available to me. For quite awhile I used the "standard" 3" load, 11/16 ounce. But, on this forum I learned that WW sells a 3/4 oz. load at a very modest velocity. I tried them and found them to be the best game load I had ever used.
After a few years of that I began to wonder if I could improve on it. I designed a 3/4 ounce load of true nickel plated shot and tested it on doves. I found it to be superior to the WW factory 3/4 ounce load in killing power.
I load them myself in roll crimped Cheddite hulls, but that load is all I use now on doves and quail with a .410.
Good luck with your new 410s. Please make an effort to limit your shots to 35 yards or less, and you may be surprised at the effectiveness of the little guns.
