First of all ...great gun. Answer to the question depends on how you are hunting. Pointing dog....7/8 or 1oz with open chokes is enough. Same for preserve birds. Block and drive hunting or flushing dogs can be longer shots. Maybe a tighter choke and 1 1/8 oz. Might try some RST spreader loads if your gun is full choked over pointing dogs. Glad to see your gun in the field instead of sitting in a safe. Made to hunt. Dk