Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: dmv9 on July 23, 2013, 05:23:13 PM

Title: How critical is shot size
Post by: dmv9 on July 23, 2013, 05:23:13 PM: 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!
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: uplandhunter870 on July 23, 2013, 05:31:43 PM: 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
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: Alan K on July 23, 2013, 05:31:52 PM: You'll be just fine.
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: CP on July 23, 2013, 05:34:17 PM: The 4s will be easier to pick out of the meat than 6s.
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: dmv9 on July 23, 2013, 06:51:52 PM: So why not just use #3, #2, #1, or even 00 buck?

Quote from: CP on July 23, 2013, 05:34:17 PM
The 4s will be easier to pick out of the meat than 6s.
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: Stilly bay on July 23, 2013, 07:16:08 PM: #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.
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: Alan K on July 23, 2013, 07:16:47 PM: 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.
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: dmv9 on July 23, 2013, 08:12:32 PM: Thanks to all. That makes sense.
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: bobcat on July 23, 2013, 10:25:31 PM: #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.
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: MadMooner on July 24, 2013, 09:43:50 AM: 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.
Title: Re: How critical is shot size
Post by: AspenBud on July 24, 2013, 12:52:22 PM: Quote from: Stilly bay on July 23, 2013, 07:16:08 PM
#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.

:yeah: