shot size for grouse??

[Curly]

I used a 425 gr 54 cal bullet, 180 gr .308 from 300 Win mag, 150gr from a 30-30, .22 LR, and #4, 5 , 6, 7.5, and 8 shot.  But 6's are probably the best all around shot size.

[seth30]

I have killed them with #8 and with steel shot #2

[hntrspud]

Whatever you have handy, and doesnt destroy the bird. 

[Stilly bay]

You really don't need anything bigger than #8's for grouse, even for blues, they are all wimps and all it takes is pellet or two in the back or wing to drop them, so you might as well throw more pellets.
One of my favorite early season loads is 1oz of #9's out of a CYl choke for close up through the brush shots.
but any size shot will work.

[jackelope]

You really don't need anything bigger than #8's for grouse, even for blues, they are all wimps and all it takes is pellet or two in the back or wing to drop them, so you might as well throw more pellets.
One of my favorite early season loads is 1oz of #9's out of a CYl choke for close up through the brush shots.
but any size shot will work.

Do you think #8's out of a 20 gauge would suffice?

[dreamunelk]

Work fine on Ruff's and ok on blues.

[bobcat]

#8 shot is pretty small for long shots on blue grouse. I would much rather use 6's. I've killed blue grouse at 40 to 50 yards with my 20 gauge, modified choke, and number 6 shot. With 8's I wouldn't shoot past 30 yards.

[Fishaholic]

My wife picked up a case of #6 shot and it works just fine. It also works well for crows if your into shooting them.

[bowhunterforever]

6's or 7 1/2 and 22 rimfire head shots only, unless i'm using arrows and then head or bust wings

[rtspring]

Only shot one this year. Winchester Super X 3. With 3 1/2 #2s.  At around 60 yards up a tree.. 

[PolarBear]

100 grain Slick Trick or Judo
#6 shot has been my favorite since I was a kid for grouse, pheasants and quail.

[Stilly bay]

#8 shot is pretty small for long shots on blue grouse. I would much rather use 6's. I've killed blue grouse at 40 to 50 yards with my 20 gauge, modified choke, and number 6 shot. With 8's I wouldn't shoot past 30 yards.

I would!
but I agree if you think you are going to have longer shots than normal bumping up the shot size is probably a good idea.
7 1/2's get the job done just fine on 30+ yard shots. I folded a couple sharptails last season with 7.5's that were pushing 50 yards, and blues aren't any tougher than their prairie cousins.

but it really  doesn't matter.
IMO Smaller shot = more pellets in the pattern, and when your hunting a bird that is hard to hit but easy to bring down -like grouse-I would like more pellets in my pattern rather than fewer larger ones.

[jackelope]

I'm shooting fixed full over mod, bottom barrel first. I've got a pile of #8 shot shells. Just wondering if I should roll with it. I'll probably buy some #6 at some point rather than use the 8's.

[Stilly bay]

I would shoot up the 8's and never think twice about it, especially with your tighter chokes.
you could throw the #6's in your second barrel that way you are covered for a rare long second shot... or make burger out of a double.

[bobcat]

I agree with Stilly, with the tighter chokes I'd use the 8's. hopefully they're only 7/8 ounce or at the most 1 ounce loads. 1 1/8 ounce loads might totally pulverize them, especially if they're 20 yards or closer.