Wow bet those loads kick! If I can't get the job done with 2 3/4 inch loads I just won't shoot. I also like the higher velocities of the shorter shells. Perfect to me would be a 20 pellet count #1 buck load using plated or extra hard buckshot.
Yes, they will beat you up a little bit. I don't even notice when I'm shooting deer. Patterning in the back yard is a different story. When patterning, it takes a lot of will not to pull the shot. I've tried a couple times to load lighter weight loads faster, but the pattern seemed to blow up when I got much over 1250 fps or so.
A true #1 .30 cal pellet weighs 40 grains. 40x20 =800, 800 grains is 1.83 oz. My loads are right @ 2 oz, not a whole lot different. If you find your "perfect" load, you better be ready to rattle some fillings loose too. especially if you try to get more velocity.
