I too, have been using the 3" .410 for pen raised pheasant and chukar in the last two yrs since I started hunting pen birds due to our previous drought. I found I like the #6 shot at ranges out to 30-35 yds thru modified chokes or tighter.

While I have used a .410, 3", #6 shot on wild SoDak pheasant, I haven't made a habit of it. However, I'm headed in the direction of using a .410 on wild birds more next season. I have one friend that uses a .410 on all upland birds exclusively.