Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: CP on August 18, 2008, 07:16:02 AM

Title: Grouse loads
Post by: CP on August 18, 2008, 07:16:02 AM: 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?
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: yelp on August 18, 2008, 07:26:33 AM: 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. :twocents:
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: DeKuma on August 18, 2008, 07:52:10 AM: I typically use 3" #6 out of a modified choke for both east and west. Seems to be the best for us so far.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: ICEMAN on August 18, 2008, 08:01:07 AM: #6's in a 20gauge modified.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: Bscman on August 18, 2008, 08:21:53 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 18, 2008, 08:31:42 AM: 7 1/2's out of an improved cylinder.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 18, 2008, 08:34:37 AM: Quote from: CP on August 18, 2008, 07:16:02 AM
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.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: bobcat on August 18, 2008, 08:40:45 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: Skyvalhunter on August 18, 2008, 08:48:54 AM: 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!!
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: addicted on August 18, 2008, 09:04:01 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: Dave Workman on August 18, 2008, 10:08:54 AM: No. 6 field loads high base. 2 3/4-inch either 12- or 20-gauge.
Can't beat the No. 6 for conking grouse.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: Jerbear on August 18, 2008, 11:07:14 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: Bigshooter on August 18, 2008, 06:19:10 PM: Quote from: Jerbear on August 18, 2008, 11:07:14 AM
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.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: Intruder on August 19, 2008, 09:57:37 AM: Quote from: popeshawnpaul on August 18, 2008, 08:31:42 AM
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.
Title: Re: Grouse loads
Post by: jackelope on August 19, 2008, 10:33:21 PM: you guys like to improve your odds as much as possible.
:chuckle:
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...