Grouse loads

[CP]

Can anyone recommend a good grouse load and choke for a 12 gauge?  I was thinking open choke, 1 1/8 oz of 8 or 71/2.   Too light?

[yelp]

Depends on the grouse you are hunting. In tight quarter ruffed grouse hunting with a dog I prefer a modified choke and #6 shot.  Here in Eaterns Washington..we have large meadows and ridges that blue grouse live on and I like to use a 3" nitro magnum #6 in a modified or full.  I have killed grouse with lots  of guns including 20 guage.  It is all up to the individual...hands down remington Nitro magnums put grouse on the dinner table.

[DeKuma]

I typically use 3" #6 out of a modified choke for both east and west.  Seems to be the best for us so far.

[ICEMAN]

#6's in a 20gauge modified.

[Bscman]

I use 1 1/8oz #7 1/2 with a full choke in my 12ga 870....aim at the head.

I don't specifically target grouse, but don't mind putting the truck in park when I see one or three while I'm out hunting other species. Seems to work fine for me, but I tend to rely on the bird's stupidity and shots are close.

[popeshawnpaul]

7 1/2's out of an improved cylinder.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Can anyone recommend a good grouse load and choke for a 12 gauge?  I was thinking open choke, 1 1/8 oz of 8 or 71/2.   Too light?

Just fine IMHO.  Grouse aren't tough, but you do need to get pellets to them.  I'm assuming shots under 40 yards.

[bobcat]

7 1/2's are good but for blue grouse especially, I like to use 6's. 1 1/8 ounce is plenty, with improved cylinder or modified choke. Modified will let you reach out a little farther but most of the time the improved cylinder will be just fine.

[Skyvalhunter]

I typically use 7 1/2's but also get 6's as some of the high elevation blue grouse I hunt are tough. I have shot them seen them set their wings and off they go. Seasons comming up!!

[addicted]

usually with 7's cuz they are cheap and i never sneak up on em like everyone else so they always surprise the $hit outta me and they usually get away.

i did get one with my nissan pathfinder once.  turned right back around to snag that sucker up too.

[Dave Workman]

No. 6 field loads high base. 2 3/4-inch either 12- or 20-gauge.
Can't beat the No. 6 for conking grouse.

[Jerbear]

I agree with Pope on improved cylinder.  I shoot my reloads.  2 3/4 low base with #6 shot.  1200 f.p.s. seems to get the job done, without a lot of damage to the bird.

[Bigshooter]

I agree with Pope on improved cylinder.  I shoot my reloads.  2 3/4 low base with #6 shot.  1200 f.p.s. seems to get the job done, without a lot of damage to the bird.

I don't think you can beat #6 shot at 1200 f.p.s.  That is what I get with my 28ga with an once of shot.  As far as chokes go depends on how good of a shot you are.

[Intruder]

7 1/2's out of an improved cylinder.

+1.... even skeet choke if you're in super thick stuff.  6s are an option if you're targeting blue grouse.  killed alot of blues w/ 7 1/2s though. 

[jackelope]

you guys like to improve your odds as much as possible.
 
anything from a mod on up to as open as you want to be with 6's will get the job done. if you think you are a good shot, shoot a tighter choke and add to the challenge, but if you can hit them with full choke, expect some damaged meat, because it will pulverize them if you hit them good...