I have been loading 7/8 loads for my 12 and 16 gauge guns for years and shoot mostly targets in cold weather in Alaska. ALL loads are dirtier when it is cold up here. As far as bloopers...I haven't had any.

I have used 7/8 ounce loads on chukars for dog training and for sharptails with success. Don't get me wrong, though, I have found that I get more dead birds with 1-1/8 ounce loads (rather than winged birds/cripples.)

Cheers!