Hunting...well, that would depend on what, now, wouldn't it?
General, around the farm pest control--whatever's cheapest--Fed, Win, Rem #6, 7 1/2 or 8 shot. Good for pigeons, or any other vermin--furred or feathered. Use them on clays, as well.
Pheasant--a good #4 or #5, 2-3/4 high-brass field load. Been using Winchester Super-X the past few years, works good; can't justify the extra cost for Prairie Storm or any other "premium" loads.
Deer--2-3/4, 1 oz slug. Fed, Rem, Win, Wolf, Brenneke...whatever I got cheap last year on sale after the end of season. Out of a 28", smoothbore barrel, offhand (like it will be in the field)...same practical accuracy as $2/per sabots out of a much heavier, rifled barrel.
Defense--low recoil 00. I've gotten good patterns with Federal Flightcontrol, and Winchester Ranger.