.410 shot size for grouse

[last light]

Just picked up my first .410 for shooting some grouse. Curious what you prefer for shot size?

I already have some 2.5" #6, but was thinking of getting some 3" as well. What's better, #4 or #6? TIA

[moosecaller]

#6 would be more than adequate for grouse and do less damage to the meat than the larger #4

[BimmerBob]

Just picked up my first .410 for shooting some grouse. Curious what you prefer for shot size?

I already have some 2.5" #6, but was thinking of getting some 3" as well. What's better, #4 or #6? TIA

I have never had an issue with killing grouse with a .410 with either 2.5/3 inch shells in #5 to #8 shot the critical factor for me is getting as many shot into the target as possible and a .410 does not hold many pellets when you go to #4 shot or larger. I would recommend #5/6 and I think you will be satisfied.

Be well, /B

[last light]

Thanks mc, appreciate the info! I guess there will also be more pellets per cartridge for #6 vs. #4

[last light]

Thanks BB, you answered my next question before I was finished typing it!

I've just got to get back to the store before they are all sold out, slim pickings in ammo selection lately...

[B-rad]

i use a 410 for a back pack gun when hikin in after the whitetail,,,,,,,2 1/2" or 3" shells work great,,,,,,i prefer the 7 1/2 shot,,,but if i cant find any ill drop down to #6 shot

[todbartell]

I like 2.5" #6

[last light]

Thank you very much for all the info gents! Looks like what I already have is good to go. Although I may buy one box of 3" #6 just to try out as well. Need to buy ammunition now before the opener. Shelves already look scarce, got to get it now before it's all gone.

Man I can't wait for the season to open and pop some chickens!

[guntech]

The larger shot is easier to find and to spit out than the finer shot...

[Dannybuoy]

I use the larger shot #6 or #4 prefer the 3" . My thinking is less pellets = less chance for lead in the bird? . I go head shots and rarely get any shot in the breast. .

[adriaticum]

It doesn't matter.
Larger pellet has more killing power but fewer will hit the bird, smaller pellets have lesser killing power but more will hit the bird.
So on average it all evens out in terms of meat damage/cleanup.

[boxhitch]

on-the-wing or ground-sluicing? makes a diff on ammo choices
2.5" #4 works for me, few pellets, most punch through, easier to pick out feathers than lead

[REMINGTON JIM]

3 " # 6 in 410 - RJ

[Dannybuoy]

on-the-wing or ground-sluicing? makes a diff on ammo choices
2.5" #4 works for me, few pellets, most punch through, easier to pick out feathers than lead
On the ground is much easier and as long as you are comfortable at shots up to 20 ft or so .. if you need to get closer than that they will probably fly .

[Dannybuoy]

It doesn't matter.
Larger pellet has more killing power but fewer will hit the bird, smaller pellets have lesser killing power but more will hit the bird.
So on average it all evens out in terms of meat damage/cleanup.
Exactly ..... fewer pellets ... in case I am a wee bit low and and don't just hit the head .

[last light]

[QUOTE=boxhitch;2272504]on-the-wing or ground-sluicing? makes a diff on ammo choices

Yes, sorry I forgot to mention that. Mostly ground swatting birds.

[Redthies]

I have 3 bird dogs, and they are flushers, so I’m wing shooting 90% of the time. I roll with #6 - #7.5 for upland. I bought a 20 gauge O/U for this season, and another dog, so it could be entertaining;). If you are shooting birds on the ground that are just sitting, shot isn’t exactly “sporting”, but it’s a lot safer than bouncing .22 shells off the road.

Henry is making a smoothbore .22 now (garden gun) which when loaded up with CCIs .22 shot shells would be fun for standing birds.

[HappyJack]

410 3 inch #4 will give you more range than 6/7.5 I always used smaller shot until I saw my buddy reaching out to points I considered out of range.

[last light]

Thanks to everyone for their ideas and opinions. Not too much longer now and I can take 'er out.

[BigSlapper]

I use 3" #6 ... works well for me

[lovemywinchester]

I picked up a 410 this fall and have done way better than with my 22. One thing I found you have to watch for is pellets will punch feathers into the breast. I thought the black spots were pellets but they were feathers. I dug them out before freezing the breasts.