Years ago now, with my Lab "Dixie" and the 12 gauge M21 I inherited- 28" bls. choked imp. cyl. & mod- SST, EJ- I used Federal Premium Coppered No. 7&1/2 in imp. cyl barrel, and same load in No. 6 -- 1&1/4 oz. Express- the copper coated lead shot was the secret, IMO- to a real minimum of crippled wing broken birds which were grassed and brought to me by Dixie-- I'd much rather have to pick out pellets from the breasts of the birds on the platter that loose them, as crippled pheasants even with broken legs can run like Jesse Owens. average range est'd was about 25 yards with the first barrel, and for the second barrel if needed for a "finisher" 33 yards- Note- I have never "doubled" on pheasants in 70 years of hunting them with dogs, either flushing or pointing. RWTF
