Bird -- Hope the info helped. As I stated, for pheasants I would stick with a 1 oz load of #3 or #2 steel and choke appropriately for the distance of your shots. I've only been on one ruff hunt so don't know much about that hunting but would think a 2 3/4" 3/4 oz of #6 steel or #4 steel would work in the early season and a 1 oz load of #4 steel in late season. I would think a 3/4 or 7/8 oz load of #5 steel would be ideal but not sure if anyone makes one.
Good luck.
Good luck.