what shot for small game

[rhino519]

what is the most universal shot for small game?
I'm just begining to "lenghten" my hunting season by including trips for a small game, I cary nr 4, 12 ga, for grouse and rabbits, but Im not sure thats the best shot


also, ever since few years ago, when me and a bear decided to walk circles around eachother without walking into one another, I cary couple of slugs in my pockets when bird hunting, I already filled my tag for a bear, but would a CO "frisk" me?? or get #####y about it??

 

[hunt365]

With a 12 gauge for grouse I use #7.5 but for rabbits i use #4.

 

[doubleman]

rhino
#6's would work well for both and I would not worry about the slugs just put them in a different pocket,out of sight out of mind

 

[doubleman]

rhino
#6 would work well for both

 

[rhino519]

thanks guys, Ill try nr 6

and the slugs are always in that one pocket that I can reach fast, but no other ammo goes in there

 

[martinbns]

I like #6 the best.

 

[Neo]

One more vote for #6 shot -- in a 1-1/8 oz loading, btw. It really is the best compromise -- a dense enough pattern that it works pretty well on flushed grouse, yet with enough "oomph" to drop rabbits out to 45 yards or so. Also works reasonably well on larger birds like pheasants.

 

[Fox]

Another vote for #6, I use a 16 gauge with 1 1/8oz load, never had a problem taking rabbits with them. As for slugs, to get technical you need to have a bear license for anything over #2 lead. That being said, I agree with the other guys, toss them in another pocket.