something like 120 pellets to the oz for
#4 birdshot,, and 20 to the oz for #4 Buck. The smaller the pellet, the less energy and penetration it has. Quail dont need much killing, and there are quail sized holes in a pattern of #2 goose loads. Also, large shot might well ruin a lot of good meat on small birds, or cause harm at longer ranges than the smaller pellets could. Conversely, a charge of quail pellets would most likely let a goose escape wounded. No birdshot pellets smaller than #2 are of much use for defense, beyond a few feet,because they can't be relied upon to penetrate a heavy coat and the sternum of a man.
