Ask Phil: The Best Shotshell Loads for Pheasants?

I see some commercial 2¾-inch shotshells labeled "pheasant load" that have 1¼-ounce shot and travel at 1220 fps. I also see pheasant loads with 1¼ shot that move at 1330, 1400, or even 1500 fps. Are the 1220-fps loads adequate for the average hunter? Also, I'm an old guy and it seems to me that back in the good old days we had low brass, high brass, and 2¾-inch magnum—and that was about it for choices. Are the current 1330- and 1400-fps-load shells the magnums of yesteryear? —DJ

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