When selecting shot sizes, there is often an ideal shot size, where pattern and energy become ineffective almost at the same time and which form the most efficient loadings. Most so called large pellet 'pheasant' cartridges lose pattern sub 50 yards even with heavier loadings but retain enough energy to penetrate to give a fluke kill or wound at 60, 70 or even 80 yards but which is totally random. I prefer circa 150 pellets in 30 inch circle for pheasants, as my belief is theat the mor