I used to shoot Pheasants in Pointing Dog Field trials. If a trainer said to go ahead and shoot, you better be sure of a downed bird. Over Pointing dogs I used nothing but 7-1/2 High Brass. Hardly ever did any get away. Over Flushing Dogs I used 6's. I have shot literally hundreds of Pheasants, Quail and Partridge and I find that these two loads are the best. 5's and 4's do work, but you sacrifice some pellets. Since steel requirements for waterfowl have been in effect, I have used up all my lead shells that are bigger than 7-1/2's on Upland birds. In all cases field loads are a little iffy. As erich stated, you can do it with them if you don't go out too far.
