Grouse with 12 gauge cylinder choke?

I have shot a truck load of grouse with my 870 slug gun with 1 1/4 once loads #4 shot , hold a little high and usually only a couple pellets hit meat with shot passing clean through.
 
No, no, no, no.

I talking about multi-purpose here; skeet loads for grouse I may see on the road while going to and from moose spots and buckshot or slugs if and only IF I need to have a little backup to make the difference while cutting and packing or in camp. To be honest, I think bear spray might be better.

It can and will be (bear spray) for seasoning the moose meat ;)
Good hunting MD !
Rob
 
Should be fine, but make sure you pattern it so you know your shot spread at distances you will likely see grouse. I only hunt grouse with a 12g, #7.5 target loads and a mod choke in a 20” barrel in two different shotguns. I’ve also set up a 14” barreled 12g with a full choke that patterns how I like at 15y and 25-30yds, I always aim for the head to minimize pellet damage in the breasts.
 
I've got some vintage Imperial #4 lead shot that might do the trick for grouse if they're not too close.

First bird I ever shot was a grouse with that shot out of my dad's old single shot 12 gauge I snuck out of the house. Full choke at about 20-30 feet. There wasn't much left to eat.
 
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