16ga is what I normally shoot for doves. Had a 60s Stevens 311 SxS, and acquired an early 80s Sweet Sixteen and two cases of dove loads. Both were stolen out of my truck. Replaced them with two more 311 SxS. Bought a Lee Load All and started making shells for them, but have about decided that I can buy a case of shells for about what it costs me to reload. Still sitting on a pretty good stockpile.