I have difficulty believing that 6's don't have enough punch on stocked birds. Years ago, I had a writing assignment that sent me to a preserve in KS that had good released birds. (Ringneck Ranch.) I had a chance to shoot a lot of them. At that time, I had a Parker Repro 28ga choked IC/M. I loaded up a bunch of 3/4 oz 7's--essentially the same pellet count as an ounce of 6's. After missing the very first bird I shot at, I bagged the next 27. A couple did require the 2nd barrel, and good dog work saved a couple that came down with 2 good legs. But I also scored 2 true doubles.
I'm not inclined to recommend that load on wild ringnecks unless you're very picky with your shots. But I was surprised at how well it worked on released birds.
