The best advice I could give, to any newbie dove shooter, is to not be tempted to take long shots. Even on opening day you will encounter some older, mature birds, which take a lot more killing than juveniles often seen early season. As Frank said, #7 steel is not great, but might do okay if you limit your range to very close birds. Pretend you're shooting a .410 (as far as range) with 1/2 oz. lead, and you should do alright.

SRH

May God bless America and those who defend her.