I shoot a 20 gauge so the smaller and heavier shot allows me great density and a 50yd reach. The 20 is lighter, shorter and has less recoil. I have 18 boxes of Federal HW #7's so I'm set for a long time. By the time I turned in the rebate I had $28 per 10. 20 gauge lead longbeards are around $22-$24 per 10. So for $4-$6 more per box I get a much better performing round, especially if I screw up and misjudge yardage.
Even when I shot a 12 I used hevi13 #7's. They may not kill them any deader but it sure didn't hurt anything. I misjudged one early on a foggy morning and I was glad I threw down the extra few bucks for the 7's.
Longbeard 6's shot great from my 12. I tried 5's but they were splotchy and crappy.
