I'm shooting dove and hungarian partridge this season. I've used 8 and 7 1/2. The 8 seems to kill them better then the 7 1/2. Have you guys experienced this at all? It just seems odd to me that this would be unless more pellets is better then bigger pellets.

I was also wondering if it would be possible to shoot a grouse or a pheasent with 7 1/2 or 8 shot. Or would this be just plain stupid and shouldn't be tried. My dad and brother tie flies and grouse and pheasent are great fly tieing material.

I don't know about the 7 1/2 or 8 thing. it might be the brand of ammo or it might just be a coincidence. Pheasants are better to be shot by 6's or even 4's. I have shot many pheasants with 7 1/2's though. It really comes down to hitting the bird, but for pheasants I would definitely go with 6's unless the birds are getting up really close.

Do you guys think that 6 would be too much for dove?

I think 6's are a little stout for doves, they are great for pheasants. As for your orginal question thier is not a whole lot of differance in the size of 7.5s and 8's but their is a little differance in the number of pellets, so that is probaly what you are seeing.

Thanks for the info guys. I've seen grouse out there too. Would 7 1/2 or 8 be ok for grouse?

both of those are perfect for grouse they are pretty weak birds, i think i usually use 7 1/2

Thanks for the help.

I like 7 1/2 for doves and #6 for grouse.

thanks for the help.

My buddy Nick swears by Fiochi White rhino in 7 1/2 on pheasants. He drops them every time. I myself have been using 6 shot for pheasnt as well as for quail even though it may be a little overkill for little things. I use Federal Wingshok Copperplated #6 and it shoots at 1500 fps. Very powerful. A little pricey but if it aint broke dont fix it. Its the best ive used. Also a portion goes to pheasants Forever so it works out pretty well.