Grouse with a 12 gauge?

6 or 7 1/2 shot is probably most typical. I often use 6 because I hunt squirrels too. Choke will depend on the shooting distances you encounter. Typical might be IC early on, and mod or even tighter when the leaves are down. Not much to do though but experiment and see what works for you.

RG

<><
 
For Ruffies, I'm like Claybuster, I like lighter loads. They aren't tough to put down and normally the ranges aren't very long. In fact, I've use #8 target loads for years with good success. IMHO, you should step up in shot size and velocity for later season Sharptail as they will often flush at 30 - 35 yards (if you're lucky). 1 ounce or 1 1/8 ounce of #6 is just the ticket for that scenario.
 
I can confirm that 2 3/4" steel BB shot can kill them. As well as 4, 5, 6, 7 1/2 and 8. My preference is 7 1/2 with IC choke.
 
One ounce of 8's ... cylinder, skeet or I.Cyl. choke. 6's or 7-1/2's will work
just fine too, but I find the 8's a better compromise for both grouse & woodcock.
Started using 8's about 35 years ago ... a George Bird Evans recommendation.
Trap & Skeet target loads work just fine.

My current 12 SxS has chokes of .005" & .015" ... about Skeet & Light Mod.
 
Where are you hunting?

In the thick bush near my cottage the damn things dont fly at all!

Its easy enough to walk within 10-15 m of them and they still hesitate to move. I brought out the 12 guage last year and dont plan on it this year. It isnt any fun when they dont fly.

My little backpacker .22 is all I plan on using this year.
 
mlehtovaara said:
Where are you hunting?

In the thick bush near my cottage the damn things dont fly at all!

Its easy enough to walk within 10-15 m of them and they still hesitate to move. I brought out the 12 guage last year and dont plan on it this year. It isnt any fun when they dont fly.

My little backpacker .22 is all I plan on using this year.
Click to expand...

Ditto on that. Where I hunted when growing up, there was no way you could wing-shoot 'em. most people used a .22 or a .410. The people that did use 12's and 20's tended to favour a tighter choke to keep pellets out of the breast. They would aim an inch or so above the head. usually worked quite well.
 
I have hunted ruffed grouse in 4 provinces for over 40 years, and never had a problem with a 20 gauge , 28 gauge , or even a 410.

These days my favourite load is a skeet load 3/4oz of 9's out of a 28, but also use a 20 every now and then, and BP shotguns as well.
A 12 with wide open chokes and lighter loads would be perfect as well.
My 12 bore Westely Richards has a cylinder bore right barrel and works just fine .....
Cat
 
Last edited:
My go-to Grouse gun is 12 gauge, I use #4 steel, passes right through most of the time and no pellets in the meat.

GrouseandGL-1.jpg
 
I normally use a SXS Fox .410, but when I was still using the 12ga I'd go with #8 shot and at least a medium choke, full if possible and aim for the head to minimize meat damage.

I never tried Ardent's trick of using steel shot. Might have to try that this fall Angus!:)
 
All my bird hunting is over pointing dogs, so I go with 12 gauge and Improved Cylinder with 7.5 or 8 shot.

Cheers
Jay
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom