1 1/8 oz. of 8s is a great load for warm weather shooting. If, you are having recoil issues, then the gun doesn't fit you properly. A couple of things to consider when going to shells with less shot ... you need to consider what you are wanting to accomplish when you are shooting. If it is too break the maximum number of targets, then you need to throw as much lead as possible. If you want to hone your skills, then you can throw less lead. Some say that shooting tight chokes and throwing less lead will make you a better shooter. If you are cheap then you can try 7/8 oz. or even better try a .410 ... just think of all the extra money the club could make throwing all the targets you missed.
Seriously, though, if recoil is an issue, you need to address that right away and fix that problem.