I think the best course is to match the load to the gun. Weight range went from 8/8&1/2 pounds to over 10 pounds. Hulls anywhere from to 2&3/4 to over 3 inches. Brass to paper with less internal capacity. 2&7/8 was probably the most popular hull length and the space was just filled with wadding to match the load to the gun weight. A light weight gun would use a heavy 12 load and a mid weight a heavier load. Heavy guns would load even heavier charge and shot weights. My double is 8&1/2-8&3/4 pounds and load range 3&1/4 drams with 1&1/8 oz shot to 4 drams and 1&1/4 oz shot. The heavy water fowling guns maybe 4&1/4 to 5 drams powder and up to 2 oz shot. More powder and shot equal more pressure and recoil. If you would like to use heavy loads try to find a heavy gun and stay with the lighter loads for you light 10.
