Grouse loads for your magnum

Gatehouse

Gatehouse

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On another thread (now locked) we discussed some reduced loads to use while out big game hunting. Hereis an example, using 150gr Sierra Flat point and 60% charge of H4895 in a 300WSM, for just under 2000fps :

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You aim at the top of the grouse or ptarmigan's head, and the bullet should hit it in the neck.

Nothign really new here, hunters have often carried these loads. I load themin nickel plated brass, to make sure there is no confusion.
 
I use an insert, made out of stainless steel, that allows me to fire .32 ACP from my .300 Win Mag. It works very well but using a flat point is more efferctive than a round nose. Unless you hit them in the nead/neck, of course!
 
our firearms instructor showed us a modified .44 Rem Mag that he's loaded with birdshot. seems his wife has gotten very adept at shooting grouse with it. seems that would be more effective in securing the kill. :)
 
Yes, birdshot, the way to go...I have used birdshot very successfully in the .44, .45, 45/70 and 50/90 sharps...you don't have the problem with sight regulation that you do with reduced loads. No tools needed, no dies, seat a card wad above powder, spoon in some shot, seat another card wad on top, seal with a drop or two of hot glue, Viola!!!!
 
I use the old Speer manual #4 reduced loads that utilize IMR SR4759 powder. In a large range of centerfire cartridges, the SR4759 will get the lighter-for-caliber bullets in the 1500fps-1700fps range with about 15gr of powder. They are excellent, accurate, small game loads and are terrific for starting new shooters. I also have inserts for my .270Win. and .338WinMag that are powered by .22 blanks and fire swaged lead buckshot pellets. Accuracy was questionable until I tried various types of blanks to find what my particular rifles like. Lots of options out there. After the dozens of rabbits (snowshoe hares to you wienies out there) I'm seeing at work this morning, I'll be packing some small game loads in my pocket for sure this fall.
 
Birdshot loads in larger calibers sure seem to work, ad the Hammond Game Getter inserts are also popular with hunters.:)

I don't know how many grouse I've head shot with reduced and full power loads, but it's alot. It's not hard to do, if you know the point of impact at close range.:)
 
For .303 "chicken loads" try 4grs of Unique under .314 hornady 90gr SWC lead pistol bullets unsized for 900fps velocity and one hole accuracy at 20 yards.Harold *also have data for 30-30,308 win, .303 Sav and 30-06 all sized to .310 same bullet.
 
2-4 grains of Red dot or 700X or Unique powder and a Hornady .310 dia round ball. Sub sonic for sure but I stone rabbits and grouse with them.
The .310 round ball is great in a 30 cal gun.
32 cal swc lead bullets ran through a sizing die is just the ticket also.
 
my instructor uses a .38 short cartridge that gives you a clean 5.5 grains of...don't think he said what powder he uses, then pushes down a wad of cut felt and then has this nifty plastic insert full of shot that he pushes in until it meets up with the felt.

he loves his .38 short cartridge solution so much that he even soldered on a little handle so he can scoop, wipe across the top to remove the excess powder and dump it in. 5.5 grains exactly he says! :D
 
Mr. Friendly said:
very weak, especially so being it's obvious so many different cartridges can be hand loaded with bird shot so you wouldn't have to lug around two guns with you. :(
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I don't think it would be considered a rifle if it was loaded with shot. I may be wrong though.
 
I use a 158 gr FN bullet and 8 grains of 700X (and a square of toilet paper)in my 35 Whelen. Works good. I'll just have to remember to avoid hunting in Saskatchewan and I'll be good. Regards, Bill.
 
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