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Author Topic: Grouse loads  (Read 15555 times)

Offline CP

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Grouse loads
« 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?

Offline yelp

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #1 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:
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Offline DeKuma

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #2 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.
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Offline ICEMAN

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2008, 08:01:07 AM »
#6's in a 20gauge modified.
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Offline Bscman

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #4 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.
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Offline popeshawnpaul

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2008, 08:31:42 AM »
7 1/2's out of an improved cylinder.

Offline DOUBLELUNG

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2008, 08:34:37 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.
As long as we have the habitat, we can argue forever about who gets to kill what and when.  No habitat = no game.

Offline bobcat

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #7 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.

Offline Skyvalhunter

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #8 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!!
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Offline addicted

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #9 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.
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Offline Dave Workman

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #10 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.
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Offline Jerbear

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #11 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.

Offline Bigshooter

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #12 on: August 18, 2008, 06:19:10 PM »
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.
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Offline Intruder

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #13 on: August 19, 2008, 09:57:37 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. 

Offline jackelope

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Re: Grouse loads
« Reply #14 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...
:fire.:

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