I agree with Dr. Drew. I don't think I've ever shot 1 1/8 loads in my 12 ga. Smiths. Keep it at or under 1,200 ft./sec. with 7/8 oz. or 1 oz.
Check screws regularly, especially the tang screws (one under the top lever, and one under the trigger guard).
Note that 7/8 oz. of 8's actually has a few more pellets than 1 Oz. of 7 1/2's. Unless you expect targets over 35 yds., 1 oz. isn't needed.