Upland Birdshot Selection

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Ruger 308

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I typically hunt grouse with #7.5 steel shot. I recently found some new Grouse territory that's a bit more dense and was wondering if it would be best to switch to lead shot. Am I over thinking the shot selection or is lead shot the way to go in denser areas?
 
#4 lead is my go-to for grouse as well - seems to knock em down quicker and with you hunting in bush, you'll likely be closer range.
You using a 410?
 
I also like 4 or 6 shots (probably because that's what my father and uncle used when I first got into hunting)... But i've also taken my share or birds with 7.5 (because that's what I had laying around at the time)... Don't think the bird saw much of a difference.
 
I would absolutely switch to lead shot over steel - steel is more expensive and less dense, so you're paying more money for a less effective product. I only use steel when the law says I have to, lead is superior in virtually every way ballistically.

As for shot size, I shoot most of my grouse with 7.5 target loads, and haven't had any issues.
 
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I shoot a pile of pigeons every year and have found that #4 shot works better at anchoring birds than 7.5. With perfect shot they both work but 4's are better in brush. Only adding this about pigeons as they are very similar to grouse in size and muscle layout.
 
Ruger 308 said:
12g. Never thought of using anything bigger then 7.5 for grouse. Might worth the try I guess
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I used to hunt with 7.5 cheap target loads until one time I took a very easy ground pound shot at a bird on the road. It flew back about a foot and rolled a few times. Played dead until I walked up to it and it jumped up and took off. It scared the crap out of me and I just about died laughing.
 
I use 7.5 in one barrel and 5 in the other barrel. Thinking is with first shot, they might flush so better chance at shooting them out of the air. Second follow up shot they're never closer and more often are in more dense brush, hence the larger shot size.
 
#4 lead?!? Moses' sandals!! You use 3" magnums too? Ruffed grouse have to be the easiest birds to kill - a half dozen #7.5 is more than enough to do the job. If they're wounded they don't run like Sharptails (THOSE birds need some artillery) they just hit the ground and flutter. Your best bet is a very open choke and lots of little pellets. Target loads are plenty.
 
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