The last bird I shot last season was with a .410 using 11/16 oz of 7 1/2's. The bird was crossing at a paced off 60+ yds where I hit it and it fell at about 75+ yds. This load chronos at just 1100 fps. I am certainly convinced that shot size matters. You'll not find me shooting quail or dove with smaller than #8s with a preference for 7 1/2's. #9s are for skeet IMO. Even trap birds won't reliably break with #9s from my 410.