Spencer:
The Shotshell Guide in my Winchester Ammunition Product Guide recommends shot no larger than size 4 for pheasant. Their recommendations include sizes 4, 5, 6, and 7.5 (all of which they show being available in 12, 16, and 20 gauge).
As you think about using smaller shot, consider this: would you rather put fewer, larger shot in the air, or increase your chances of a clean kill by firing more, smaller shot? I favor the latter for two reasons. First, is the multiple shock effect of small shot. Richard Alden Knight put it this way in his book, Mastering the Shotgun, "The tremendous slamming shock to the bird's nervous system is far greater when he is hit by many small pellets rather than by a few large pellets." Second, you stand a better chance of scoring leathal hits with more shot in the air, particularly since most of the birds we flush are flying away from us, presenting a less vulnerable target area.
Your best bet might be a load with 1.125 ounces of 5's or 6's over a 3.25 dram powder charge, e.g., Winchester's Super-X High Brass Game Load. Give this, or a comparable load, a try this and see if it doesn't give you the results you are looking for.
Good luck, and good shooting!
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