For general upland hunting (Pheasant, Chukar, Partridge), I use a 16 ga w/ 2 1/2" Gamebore felt wadded shells (even in a 2 3/4 gun)w/ 7/8 oz #7 English shot.
For quail (plantation), I use 28 ga #8 target shells.
I can't imagine using #10 on anything living. And, back in the day, when I shot competition International Skeet, 3/3/4 dram Federal 1 1/8, paper hull, felt wad #10s was a preferred load.
Talking about the taste of birds, my Lab would refuse to pick up woodcock, though she would go and stand next to the body. I also think woodcock tastes like liver and I don't care for liver. Last time I was hunting woodcock, in the Apalatchafaya basin in Louisiana a couple of Januarys ago, the guide took us back to his home where he prepared some woodcock "trails," which I declined to eat. I'll let you guess what "trails" were.
