How critical is shot size

[dmv9]

So I got some 12ga Fasteel #4 (waterfowl) by accident (no, can't easily return it, that's not the question/issue).

The question is what happens if I use #4 rather than the recommended #6 (upland) for Ruffed Grouse?

Thanks!

[uplandhunter870]

They wind up just as dead as if you used 6s haha. Seriously though it won't make that much difference if you're shooting them while they're flying the range of that "one lucky BB" will be just a tad farther

[Alan K]

You'll be just fine.

[CP]

The 4s will be easier to pick out of the meat than 6s.

[dmv9]

So why not just use #3, #2, #1, or even 00 buck?

The 4s will be easier to pick out of the meat than 6s.

[Stilly bay]

#4 steel will kill them just fine, but its more of a pheasant/ light duck load. You would be much better off saving those shells for a nontoxic area and just spending another $5.00 for some #7.5 LEAD dove and quail loads, since it really doesn't take very much at all to kill a grouse -  Unless you really have your heart set on hunting grouse on pheasant release site.

Another thing to keep in mind is the smaller the shot size the more pellets you have in your pattern, when hunting a hard to hit bird in heavy  cover (grouse) where you might be shooting through leaves, small lead shot like #7.5 in an open choke is a decent advantage over steel #4's that usually hold a tighter pattern than lead at closer ranges. And in the early season most of your shots will be very close.

[Alan K]

You could, they all kill the same.  The amount of shot that can fit into a shell is determined by the shot size.  The higher the number, the smaller the BB's, the less energy it has at range, but the thicker pattern it has.  It's your own decision as to the range/energy you want/need, and how many pellets you want to pick out.

[dmv9]

Thanks to all. That makes sense.

[bobcat]

#4 steel is fine for grouse. Not what I would recommend but it will work. The rule of thumb was always use 2 sizes bigger with steel than you would with lead. So really, if you go by that rule, #4 steel would be the correct size for grouse, since #6 lead is kind of the "standard." I sure would never go any bigger than that though. You'd end up with too many holes in your pattern.

I have used 4, 5, and 6's in lead shot for blue grouse, mostly with my 20 gauge. Now that I think about it I believe I have even used #4 lead out of a 410 for grouse, many years ago.

The main issue I see with steel shot for grouse is your patterns may be too tight. I would use a skeet choke or improved cylinder, and even at that your pattern may be small at close range.

[MadMooner]

The only thing that would stop me from using them is the cost of steel!

I'd save them for a non-toxic hunt, as stated. But,  if thats what ya got....they will work fine.

[AspenBud]

#4 steel will kill them just fine, but its more of a pheasant/ light duck load. You would be much better off saving those shells for a nontoxic area and just spending another $5.00 for some #7.5 LEAD dove and quail loads, since it really doesn't take very much at all to kill a grouse -  Unless you really have your heart set on hunting grouse on pheasant release site.

Another thing to keep in mind is the smaller the shot size the more pellets you have in your pattern, when hunting a hard to hit bird in heavy  cover (grouse) where you might be shooting through leaves, small lead shot like #7.5 in an open choke is a decent advantage over steel #4's that usually hold a tighter pattern than lead at closer ranges. And in the early season most of your shots will be very close.