Grouse Load for .38

[CP]

I’m looking for a .38 spl load capable of taking out target-of-opportunity grouse without ruining too much meat on a body shot.  Anyone have experience with this type of loading?

I was thinking of trying either a 148g wad cutter or a 158 hardcast SWC with a few grains of unique, 3.5-4.0g maybe?   

[GoldTip]

I wouldn't use either load you've mentioned personally.  Buy some of the bird shot loads, those work fine, especially with head shots.  I've used my 9mm on them with the bird shot loads in the past with good results.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I don't care what bullet you hit a Grouse with. Solid, cast HP.. You're going to have more damage than you want. With centerfire on Grouse, You're best to shoot the base of the neck and/or head off. To do that, you want the most accurate, (doesn't matter what kind), of bullet your gun/you shoots.

Bird shot from a 9mm has more velocity than you'll get from a 38spl revolver. Bird shot affect from 38spl is dismal at best. Best left to snakes at very close range.

-Steve

[CP]

I’ll be shooting them out of .357mag. but even .357 shot shells are weaker than I want to deal with.