Just got in from a good morning in the blind. The above settles it for me. I was using handload one-ounce bismuth size 5 in Sauer 16ga Model 8. For my waterfowling, it's just fine. Blacks and mallards aren't wary this early in the season, and I move to 12s regular stuff when the gunning gets serious. With a good dog, they keep me out of trouble. Thank you for your comments. You made up my mind. (My hand loads cost $1.35 each.)