shot size for ruffed grouse

[smokenk9]

Hi folks, a friend is going Grouse hunting for the first time, he was told to try #6 shot, is that a good size or would # 7.5's maybe be better?

 

[drache]

I asked this question and about 65% said #6 and the rest said #7.5

 

[Kenjames]

I use 7.5 and #8. Both have worked fine for me.

 

[lucky07]

don't matter between the two really. Both will work just fine. I use both, never had any issues. Figure with #6 you might have to pull out less pellets ... but it's pretty negligible.

 

[Eagleye]

I prefer 7½ or 8 for grouse, with a choke a bit more open [IC], since these guys fly quick and are not tough to kill. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[smokenk9]

Thanks guys, I guess its not critical but I'd hate to see him rip up too much meat.

 

[Gatehouse]

I mostly use 20 guage #6 but I have used 7.5, too

 

[Steyr101]

Thanks guys, I guess its not critical but I'd hate to see him rip up too much meat.

Its not critical at all... just don't shoot them too close.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

When I first started in this area on upland birds, to go with a recently acquired English double, an old mentor of mine in that field, gave me a few boxes of C.I.L. roll crimped paper case # 7 shells which I foolishly used on Ruff Grouse locally.

In reality, for Grouse, I don't think there's much difference to decide on 6's or 7 1/2's.

 

[JohnC]

most guys in our group use 4 t o 6 . head shots just needs 1 or 2 out of the parttern to anchor them.

 

[AR15]

.177 pellet gun or 1/4 rocks with a sling shot .........lol

 

[lone-wolf]

00 Buck for grouse defense

 

[taffman]

4 to 6 lead, prefer 5's myself

 

[sherlockbonez]

I just use whatever target loads I have left over. I do have a box of 20 ga #6 if I'm using my 20.

 

[FourTen]

7 1/2 early season, most birds still developing feathers.....6's later in oct/nov as they've built up some extra bulk with the cooler weather, plus the yearling birds are more fullsized.

 

[Nine]

I like #2 & #4 shot myself, but keep in mind I use a 14" barreled shotgun.

 

[beretta boy]

In 12 gauge, 1 oz., in 20 gauge 7/8 oz. .... No. 8's. 7-1/2's ... second choice.

Equally deadly on Grouse & Woodcock. Neither are hard to kill.

Some like 6's for late season & longer shots. I've never found the need to
go any bigger than 7-1/2's.

 

[saskgunowner101]

7 1/2's have worked for me, although I have had to windmill pitch a chicken or two against my leg to snap a neck.

 

[GameStalker30-06]

I have always used 12 gauge, 1oz or 1 1/8 oz 7 1/2's..I too find the simple target loads work great..Little recoil too!! I have never had too much shot go into the bird..But I also use modified & Improved cylinder fixed chokes (over/under).

 

[canadaman30]

4's head shot