12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Hello!
I need a quick hand. I have to hit up CDN tire in Langley tomorrow and hopefully find a box of 12ga ammo for shooting some grouse this weekend.
I only have modified choke for my shotgun. Previously I was using #4 1oz loads. They seemed pretty good. I'd aim a few inches above the head and 20-40 yards, I would usually only end up getting the head with only one or two (or sometimes none) in the breast. Some of the closer ones I'd miss entirely though as I am aiming too high and the spread hadn't gone down far enough.
I don't want to shoot up the grouse too much, but would like to increase my odds of hitting a little. It looks like CDN tire only has 1 1/8oz. I have no idea where to go from here... #4, #5, #6, #7.5.
I am leaning towards #6.
One thing I noticed last weekend too was that for a couple years of whacking grouse with #4 1oz loads, it was soft on the ears and I wouldn't hesitate to pop grouse once in a while without plugs. I ran out of #4 1oz this weekend and shot a 7.5 1 1/8 oz cartridge at a bird and it blew out my ear pretty good. Felt the recoil difference too. Is that the extra 1/8oz or probably higher velocity round? I guess velocity is another consideration.
My typical grouse encounter is 7 - 40 yards.. soo... what the heck should I do? lol ... I am learning towards #5 or #6 1 1/8 (since no 1oz avail and dont have time to hit up another store)
Please decide for me HBC :) :)
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Whatever is cheapest it’s grouse hunting lol
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Wild one
Whatever is cheapest it’s grouse hunting lol
It's all pretty cheap but I'd feel bad if I turned a grouse into swiss cheese... I've never shot one with a 7.5 but I fear that might happen more times than not if I go buy a bulk cause of 7.5 to save a few cents :) (and I only shoot a dozen or so per year)
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Buy a .22 and have more fun plonkin them in the head ;)
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Quote:
Originally Posted by
caddisguy
It's all pretty cheap but I'd feel bad if I turned a grouse into swiss cheese... I've never shot one with a 7.5 but I fear that might happen more times than not if I go buy a bulk cause of 7.5 to save a few cents :) (and I only shoot a dozen or so per year)
If you’re worried check your pattern on paper that way you can stick to head shots comfortabley. You will loose range with smaller shot
I got a crap load of 4# along time ago and it’s all I use but I take head neck shots. I don’t know how many grouse I shoot a year but it’s way more then a dozen
Honestly have never put much thought into grouse hunting
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WesHarm
Buy a .22 and have more fun plonkin them in the head ;)
Wingshooting with a shotgun is way more fun and you have to be fast
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WesHarm
Buy a .22 and have more fun plonkin them in the head ;)
Lol ya I like shooting them with the 10/22 as well and it's the cheapest way to go. And my grouse-panic makes me shoot them through the breast with the 22 half the time and it's probably as bad aiming dead center with 7.5 lol ... head/neck shots with a 22 are the best though if you have the time and discipline... usually don't have the time though
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
I think I'll just go with the #6 ... it should be reasonably close to what I am used to with better chance of hitting when aiming high to hit the head or winging them... and at worst I'll have a few more pellets through the breast. I won't really have time to practice and pattern the different round. It will be a live practice scenario :)
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Sounds great!! Let us know how it goes this weekend!!!
Re: 12 gauge modified choke shot size for grouse
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Wild one
I got a crap load of 4# along time ago and it’s all I use but I take head neck shots.
What choke?