Pheasants/Grouse early I like 1 1/4 lead 6's out of my 12ga
When I used more lead I loaded 29.5 WSF with the WAA12F114 and W209 in a super X hull. Mod choke.
Late I like 1 3/8 lead 5's best all around load there is.
The fiocchi golden pheasant is the best factory I have used. Used M, IM, and rarely a Full choke real late in the year.
Unfortunately most all our public lands require steel shot for upland birds. I like to run 3" 1 1/4 #3 steel, #2's later. Early season you can get away with #4 steel, but I find #3 better. The blackcloud stuff is nice but not necessary. I'd probably opt for the "Hevi metal" #4's (not hevi shot) if I wanted to pay $20 for a box of shells.
For Doves I favor my 1 1/8 Handloads with lead 7.5's
