Actually neither of those.

I prefer AA, or other target loads, and the one ounce loadings in low brass (game loads are 7/8 ounce) - talking 20 gauge here.

The AA or other brands of target loads have better quality shot than the game loads and tend to pattern better.

The one ounce loadings in low brass contain the same amount of shot as the high brass loads, but are a bit easier on the gun and the shoulder, and as a general rule will probably pattern a bit better than the high brass loads (but that will vary from gun to gun).

 

AA game loads unless all of the leaves are off of the trees and the tree rats are waaaaaaay up there. They're also good for the occasional dove or quail in season... My loads are usually 3 1/4 11/8 7 1/2 according to the box.

 

A lot of variables in that question. Game, gun, choke? I shoot a load that my gun patterns well.

 

I get slightly better patterns with Federal high brass 1 1/8 oz. in my 16 gauge over 1 oz. game loads but not a huge difference. They both kill squirrels well.

 

Most of my my of my hunting friends like to shoot high brass 1 1/4 oz in 12ga and 1oz Express 20 ga. I'll give AA 's a try and federals. Thanks!

 

The only difference between game loads and high brass loads is the velocity. Extra velocity in lead shotshells doesn't mean much as energy or lead goes.


Take a 1oz load in the 20ga:


Game Load
2-1/2Dr-1165fps
High Brass
2-3/4Dr- 1220


The high brass gives more recoil and as a general worse patterns.


As Spruce said the best loads are AA or STS shells.