We recently had an Al's Sports open here in Boise and over memorial day they had a sale, including a substantial amount of 12 gauge shotgun shells from a few different manufacturers in #8 shot. Typically the smallest shot size I see sold in this area is #7-1/2. Despite the images of birds on several of the boxes, I couldn't imagine that #8 would be useful for hunting except for the smallest birds.
Fortunately, I didn't have to just wonder about the issue. Ammo.com has a substantial number of articles on different types of ammunition, including the different sizes of shot. As to #8 shot, they relate:
Used in everything from casual shooting to Olympic-level shooting events, #8 shot is typically popular for trap, skeet and sporting clays – as it offers good range and a dense pattern, but still relies heavily on user skill to accurately break the targets. #8 shot is also a decent size for varmint control, but you should stick within 30 yards to make sure you actually hit it.
As for hunting:
Number 8 shot isn’t considered a hunting round unless you’re shooting doves, pigeons or maybe quail. You’re going to get quite a nice spread at about 30 yards, allowing you to take smaller birds down easily as long as you stay in range. However, most hunters won't chance losing the bird due to lack of penetration, and many hunters won't go afield with anything smaller than #7.5 shot. Larger birds aren’t going to be an option with this shot, because they are simply too well padded by feathers and their skin is too thick.
Small critters like squirrels or rabbit can be hunted with #8, but you’re going to have to be extremely close – making them difficult to eat. With over 410 pellets in a one-ounce load, care must be taken when preparing the game to cook. As with turkey and game bird hunting, try to have your shot mostly in the head and neck region for mammals. Many hunters will stick to a #6 or larger shot when hunting all but the smallest game.
Rather, as the article continues, where #8 shot really shines is for shooting skeet targets and clays.
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