Will 7 1/2s completely penetrate a pheasant at, say, 35 yards?
No, they won't. But I have shot a gawdawful lot of pheasants with 1-1/4 oz of 7 1/2 hard shot out of IC and Mod barrelled O/Us over pointing dogs. No small number with 1 ounce loads out of 20s and 16s with open chokes as well (SK/SK and cyl), abeit at just a little shorter ranges. They break wings, legs heads and necks just fine and kill very well 35 yards and in.
I prefer 7 1/2 for pheasants over pointing dogs. Guiding, or backup shooting where if I shoot it will be long range, Then I move to tight chokes and bigger shot.
