I have to say Amen to that. I have extensive game shooting experience over 55 years. I carefully pattern all of my guns and have tested different loads on game, most notably on ducks and geese on the breeding and staging grounds of Saskatchewan over many years. My conclusion from all my experience is that sensible loads are best, by far. The 1 oz. 12 bore load, as an example, is a wonderfully effective load that patterns extremely well. I would not feel handicapped in the least with that load on ducks as long as the range is kept to around 35 yards or a bit more. Many would be amazed at just how effective and efficient that load is.
I use the old pigeon load on ducks, geese and turkeys because I like the denser patterns of the 1 1/4 oz load at 1200 fps on geese and ducks to 45 yards. But I would feel very comfortable if I was forced to use only the 1 oz. load. I'll be frank, it is my opinion that the 12 bore 1 1/4 oz load at 1300+ is an abomination in a vintage double. Strong words, but my extensive experience backs up my opinion.
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