I agree. A busy day in the hide will knock 7 bells out of you with a side by side. and walking up with a s.auto will be too heavy and a break barrel is easier to prove safe when crossing fences etc.
with regards to cartridge load, 30g for all round use is great. shot size of 6 is a good allround choice too. After years of playing around with chokes and loads for all British game, I have come to the following conclusion:
28g No7, cyl + 1/4 - 30 yards
30g No6, 1/4 +1/2 - 40 yards
32g No5, 1/2 + 3/4 - 50 yards
34g No4, 3/4 + full - 60 yards
36g No3, full + full/ex.full - 60 yards+
I