To the OP, I recently did a fair amount of patterning with my new to me 16 gauge using 8, 7.5 ,and 6 shot. I patterned multiple chokes at ranges from 20-50 yards.
When it was all said and done, the 6 shot patterned more evenly at all ranges through all of the chokes. Yes I was putting more pellet holes in the target with the 7.5 and 8 shot simply because of the higher pellet count per ounce. However, the 6 shot produced less dove size holes overall in the targets. I will note the 7.5's produced good patterns as well, but not quite as good as the 6's.
I have never thrown 6 shot at a dove, but may try some this season particularly if it is windy. During my 30 seasons of dove hunting I have come to prefer 7.5's over 8's.
As with all shotgunning, the only way not to guess is to pattern your gun.
Last edited by CarolinaHunter; 08/13/19.
