Love the 28 gauge! Been shooting this gauge on grouse and spruce hen on and off for 20 years, but I agree a 20 would work as well!
Started with an IGA Uplander SXS 28 , shot a lot of birds, but sold it off to buy a Win 52 Sporter? Then found out I couldn't live without a 28 and bought a Ruger Englished stock O/U 28" barrelled 28ga full/X-full. That X-full is like shooting a rifle, if your off a bit you miss!!
Found I can shoot 30-40 yards with X-full without meat damage.
Great gauge, easy to carry, easy to resell. A pleasure in either single,double or semi. My buddy decimates rabbits with his 28 H&R single full choke!
I use 410 for grouse also as well as 12 and 20, depends what I feel like using that day, haha!!
Good luck to all 28ga hunters, go get um!!!
Dale Z