The B&P shells are fine. The height of the brass has no correlation to the amount of powder or shot. I have used the B&P 1 1/16 #6 (don’t think they are made anymore) on wild birds and they kill ‘em graveyard dead.
Just picked up a 2011 Suburban with 59K on it. Got 20 MPG on the first tank. I think I’ll park the D-Max and go with the smooth suburban which will be plenty of room for 3 guys 2 dogs and gear/supplies for a week.
I have not done the PM thing yet, but Frank Days and Cody’s are next door to each other. If it’s stale at one place, go next door. The only caveat is that it doesn’t really get going til about 9 pm or so…