Best Grouse Cartridge (combined with a Remington 870)

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amielb

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Folks,

First time Grouse hunting this upcoming weekend (near Apsley, ON). What would my best option be for a fairly new shotgun hunter, and first time grouse hunter? I've got the Rem 870, with the Turkey choke and and the Rem Modified Choke.

Appreciate any advice from fellow gun nutz.

Amiel
 
I would just use el cheapo loads with 6, 7 1/2, or 8 shot. I use a .22/20ga. Savage. If you are going to shoot grouse on the ground, be sure to aim a bit high. Years ago, I took the old Savage out and did a test shot or two at a cardboard box at about 20 yards, to see where it would pattern if I aimed a bit high.
 
Definetly not the turkey choke. The mod would probably be ok. i would prefer improved cylind

Out west we primarily use. 22lr
 
Oh come on! Seriously? It's a goddamn partridge people! Jesus Murphy. We got deer, moose, bear, samsquanch best caliber choices already. Use a 22 or a pellet gun It don't matter there pretty much a big blue jay, and a good bit dumber too! Turkey choke, full choke, modified choke, skeet choke, shoot em in the head your good brother! Not botherin on you but all the rediculous opinions non stop 24/7 on here aaaaallll the time! :ban: I'm just sayin what many a other folks on here wanna say.
 
trapoholic said:
Turkey choke, full choke, modified choke, skeet choke, shoot em in the head your good brother!
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Turkey choke? Is this a grouse defence thread?

If you do have a .22 you can use that by all means, but many prefer grouse hunting with a shotgun. Why? Grouse are stupid as anything but they are quick when they want to be, and sighting with a rifle takes longer than aiming with a shotgun, at least for me. Just take care not to obliterate your supper.

Agreed with the other, use the modified and light shot and aim a hair up.
 
trapoholic said:
Oh come on! Seriously? It's a goddamn partridge people! Jesus Murphy. We got deer, moose, bear, samsquanch best caliber choices already. Use a 22 or a pellet gun It don't matter there pretty much a big blue jay, and a good bit dumber too! Turkey choke, full choke, modified choke, skeet choke, shoot em in the head your good brother! Not botherin on you but all the rediculous opinions non stop 24/7 on here aaaaallll the time! :ban: I'm just sayin what many a other folks on here wanna say.
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Laugh2 Laugh2 Laugh2 Good point...any freakin' gun will work.
 
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Hope you won't take internet criticism too hard. How would you know just starting out what choke/shell combination without asking? The good and general answer is indeed that 7 1/2 shot through and improved cylinder is best. You might find that if they are flushing far out (ruffed grouse in S. Ontario generally are more twitchy than further north, in my experience), the modified could be useful to have on hand to switch up to.

RG

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Ruffed Grouse said:
Hope you won't take internet criticism too hard. How would you know just starting out what choke/shell combination without asking? The good and general answer is indeed that 7 1/2 shot through and improved cylinder is best. You might find that if they are flushing far out (ruffed grouse in S. Ontario generally are more twitchy than further north, in my experience), the modified could be useful to have on hand to switch up to.

RG

<><
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Well said. My thoughts, as well.
 
Are you wing shooting or ground sluicing?

Wing shooting- 1 to 1 1/8 oz 7 1/2 or 8, most open choke you have. (not turkey choke!)
Ground sluicing- prefer a .22
 
I know it is a bit obvious, but if you do use a .22, don't use hollow points. A solid won't mutilate meat, even on a body shot.
 
I use a .22 mostly for grouse, i prefer the 10/22 and a low power scope. I got a 3-9 and keep it on 3x and have no trouble aiming fast and getting an accurate shot off (head/neck shots). If i take the shotgun ill use 7 1/2 or 8 shot for shooting on the fly. I took the .22 up north while elk hunting and took a bunch of grouse.
 
Imp Cyl choke tube or even Skeet. Light target loads (1 oz, 1-1/16) of #7.5 (or 8).

Please don't shoot them on the ground. Let them flush. They are harder to hit, they will sometimes run and hide, and you may not get a good shot off at them even if all goes well. Shooting birds on the ground with a shotgun is about as challenging as picking your nose. And about as exciting to tell others. But when you connect with a flushed bird, you will understand why. Your heart will be pounding. If leaves and grass are too heavy right now, wait 'til a few frosts have knocked them down.

That's the difference between wingshooting ruffed grouse - the King of Upland birds - and shooting stupid ditch chickens.
 
Grouse man raises a good point. Folding one on the fly is a great thrill. My truck gun is 22/410 Savage and when the pressure is on the 22 will make sure we have the right amount for supper. Dropping one on the fly is what is the most fun especially with a 410. If you are doing a lot of walking set yourself up with the lightest gear you can get away with. As you can see your question raised a few different opinions. There are many different approaches all of them with their own merits. Go with light loads, it does not take much to knock one down and you can save your shoulder.
 
Up north here the birds are stupid. You will have to kick them in the ass to make them fly. And that's ruffies, not sprucies. I use a 12 guage with full choke and blow their heads off...no pellets in the breast at all. I use the .22 sometimes too, as well as a 20 gauge, .410, pellet rifle, slingshot or bow and arrow.

When I lived in Nova Scotia, the birds were not stupid; they were like a hummingbird on acid. They flew at light speed, and we all used # 8 or #9 with improved cylinder. We never shot them on the ground or in a tree cause they never presented themselves that way.

But to claim that shooting them on the ground is somehow morally wrong is over my head. They end up dead and in my stomach whether wing shot or head shot. Up here they are a lunch bucket on wings. If you were intent on a wing shot, you would have to scare them off the ground, and then scare them off the tree three feet above them after you scared them off the ground.

The other way I look at the devout grouse lover is this - my method of killing is very quick and merciful. I blow their heads off, and 100 percent of meat is usable. Wing shots are notorious for cripples and meat loss.
 
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