i consider 1 1/4oz in the mid 1200's fps to be my favorite all around bird load. works great with either #6, #7 or #7.5. for crow sized critters that load in #7's is about as good as it gets if recoil isnt an issue. youve got the pattern density of #7.5's with more energy. definately not needed for the vast majority of shots but if you are constantly shooting in the 40-50 yard range it is a great load if you can get it to pattern. and i dont think you can buy it in factory loads anymore, maybe B&P makes a load but being a european shell the #7' are most likely 7.5 anyway