I recall using a box of #8, 1/2 oz, .410 on trap to try the little Lefever .410 from the 16 yd line. I shot some astounding score like 23 or 24. Later that day I took the same gun out and shot the same game with #9 shot. I could see the paint on the birds get dusted, but not break birds for the most part. I shot something like a 3 or 4.
I won't use anything smaller than 7 1/2 shot for quail and dove. I used #9 in a 20 ga in Yuma for a dove hunt because that's what I had and brought. Lots of wounded and lost birds. I switched to my .410 that I had 7 1/2 shot in 3" shells and started hammering them.
