I never used many of the modern 1 1/4 oz 16ga magnums. However, I did pattern them--not a particularly pleasant undertaking in relatively light guns. They did deliver very good patterns, much improved over 1 1/8 oz loads. But your shoulder pays for it if you're shooting a light double.
Back in the mid-late eighties I bought a couple flats of 16 ga. Federal Premium 1-1/4 oz. #6. They're buffered loads, supposed to be hard shot and copper-plated -- but maybe copper-washed? I use them in side-by-sides that weigh about 6-3/4 lb. -- one choked SK1/SK2, the other IC/M. Anyway, like Larry, I found that they throw excellent patterns.
These are 3-1/4 dram eq., so they're like the classic 12 ga. pigeon load. I still have a few boxes left. I won't use them in a light gun, but have found them very useful in my left barrel for late season wild pheasants chased up by my springers. Really don't notice the recoil.
Jay
