What is the best load for grouse hunting?

Quick Answers

The best loads for grouse hunting depend on the shotgun gauge you are using and the size of the grouse you are hunting. For 12 gauge shotguns, lightweight target loads like 7 1/2, 8 or 9 shot are good choices. For 20 gauge, try 8 or 9 shot target loads. For 28 gauge, 7 1/2 or 8 shot works well. Heavier payloads like 5 or 6 shot can also be effective on ruffed grouse, while lighter 10-12 shot works for small or juvenile grouse. Lead or bismuth loads pattern densely at close ranges. Non-toxic steel, tungsten alloy, or tungsten-polymer shot is required in some areas. The key is matching the load and shot size to your shotgun’s choke and the size of the birds.

For many upland bird hunters, grouse are considered the pinnacle of their sport. The ruffed grouse is the most widespread and pursued grouse species in North America. These birds inhabit the underbrush and woodlands across the northern and eastern U.S. and Canada. Grouse are challenging quarry. They explode from cover with lightning bursts of speed and can jink and dive through thick brush. Bringing down a grouse requires skill, strategy, and the right gear. Choosing the proper shotgun loads is one of the keys to a successful grouse hunt.

12 Gauge Loads for Grouse

The 12 gauge is the most popular shotgun gauge for grouse hunting. With its versatility and knockdown power, the 12 gauge can handle everything from dove to deer. For grouse, most experts recommend lighter target loads in the 1 to 1 1/8 ounce range loaded with smaller shot. Here are some excellent 12 gauge loads for ruffed grouse hunting:

These 12 gauge loads are great choices for grouse in intermediate gauge guns. The smaller shot sizes pattern tightly at the close ranges most grouse are shot. The lighter 1 to 1 1/8 ounce payloads reduce felt recoil. Velocities around 1200 feet per second provide energy for clean kills without destroying too much meat.

Heavier grouse loads in 12 gauge guns often use 5, 6, or 7 1/2 size shot in payloads up to 1 1/4 ounces. These work well when shooting through dense brush at longer distances. Ruffed grouse have thick feathers that require substantial energy to penetrate. However, the heavier recoil can make hitting fast, close birds more difficult. Lighter target loads allow quicker follow up shots.

20 Gauge Grouse Hunting Ammo

The 20 gauge shotgun offers many of the same capabilities as the 12 gauge in a lighter, quicker handling package. With reduced weight and recoil, many experts feel the 20 gauge is an excellent choice for grouse hunting. Here are some outstanding 20 gauge grouse loads:

These 20 gauge loads maximize hit probability on close, fast flying birds with minimal recoil. The smaller 8 or 9 shot provide excellent patterns at short range. Velocities are optimized for clean kills inside 30 yards. Many hunters feel the 20 gauge provides the ideal balance of power and handling for grouse in the thick woods.

While heavy 5 and 6 shot loads are available, most 20 gauge grouse hunters shoot the lighter target loads. The dense patterns provide enough energy for close range kills without the recoil issues of heavy magnum loads. However, the excellent ballistics of 20 gauge guns allow them to utilize heavier payloads when required.

28 Gauge – Perfect for Grouse Hunting

The lightweight 28 gauge is gaining popularity with grouse hunters. Veterans praise the 28 gauge as the perfect upland shotgun. Though limited to smaller shot charges than larger gauges, the dense patterns and low recoil of the 28 make it devastating on grouse in thick cover. Here are some great 28 gauge grouse loads:

The 28 gauge throws dense patterns of smaller shot, allowing precise kills on small, fast birds. The low recoil allows quick target acquisition and follow up shots. While limited to 3/4 or 7/8 ounce payloads, the velocities over 1200 fps provide adequate energy for clean kills inside 25 yards. The 28 excels when hunting smaller, juvenile grouse early in the season. Overall, the fast handling and featherlight weight of the 28 gauge make it a favorite among seasoned grouse hunters.

Shot Size Selection

Choosing the proper shot size is critical to consistent kills on grouse. The smaller 7 1/2, 8, and 9 shot provide dense patterns that maximize hit probability on close range birds. However, the smaller pellets may lack adequate penetration onadult ruffed grouse depending on range, angle of impact, and pellet energy. Heavier 5 and 6 shot better penetrate thick feathers but pattern less densely. Consider the following factors when selecting shot size:

• Gauge – Smaller gauge guns throw smaller shot successfully. Use larger 6-7.5 shot in 12 gauge, 6-8 in 20 gauge, and 7.5-9 in 28 gauge.
• Range – Larger 5-7.5 shot recommended for longer range shots. Use smaller 7.5-9 shot inside 20 yards.
• Grouse Size – Small 10-12 shot effective on very small, juvenile grouse. Use larger shot on mature birds.
• Shot Density – Lighter target loads pattern more densely than heavy hunting loads.
• Choke – Tighter choke constrictions require smaller shot. Open chokes pattern larger shot best.

Most grouse hunters carry a variety of different loads and let the shooting conditions determine the best choice. Typically 7 1/2 or 8 shot works well across a variety of ranges and bird sizes. Having heavier 5 shot shells on hand provides extra power if needed. The extremely light 10-12 size is only recommended for close range shooting at very small grouse.

Lead vs Non-Toxic Shot

Lead shot has been banned for all waterfowl hunting in the U.S. since 1991. Lead shot is also prohibited on many public hunting areas and private wetlands. However, lead loads can still be used for upland game hunting on most public and private land outside of wetland areas.

Here are some key considerations regarding lead and non-toxic grouse loads:

• Lead shot patterns more densely than non-toxic loads giving higher hit percentages at close ranges.
• Bismuth and tungsten-matrix shot pattern nearly as well as lead.
• Steel shot requires larger sizes to match lead densities.
• Some public lands and private hunting preserves require non-toxic loads.
• Always know regulations and use non-toxic shot when mandated.

For most grouse hunting on upland areas, lead loads are still legal and preferred by most hunters. However, regulations vary widely across states, provinces, public lands, and private properties. Hunters should verify local rules and always comply with required non-toxic shot regulations.

Effective Range for Grouse Hunting

Unlike waterfowl shooting over decoys, most grouse are shot at very close ranges. The lightning quick flushes in heavy cover make longer shots difficult. Experts recommend limiting shots on grouse to 30-35 yards maximum. Shots beyond 40 yards have a very low probability of success and wounding losses increase dramatically.

Grouse most commonly flush within 20 yards of the hunter. At these close ranges, most modern shotgun loads produce superb patterns. When properly choked, even dense 9 or 8 shot will kill cleanly. However, grouse can occasionally surprise hunters by flushing wild beyond 20 yards. Having some larger 6-7.5 shot loads provides the extra power needed for these longer flushes.

Regardless of range, matching the load to the choke constriction is critical. Open cylinder chokes require larger 4-5 shot for sufficient density. Improved cylinder and light modified chokes pattern 7.5-8 shot well. Tighter modified and full chokes allow successful use of smaller 8-9 shot. Always test various loads at the typical grouse shooting distances expected on each hunt.

Shotguns for Grouse Hunting

Any quality double or repeating shotgun can effectively take grouse when loaded with the proper shells. However, some shotgun features are better suited to grouse hunting compared to waterfowl or turkey guns. Consider the following factors:

• Gauge – 20 and 28 gauge provide quick handling in thick cover.
• Barrel Length – Improved balance and swing with 24-26″ barrels.
• Chokes – Interchangeable chokes allow tuning load density.
• Rib Height – Higher ribs allow smoother swings through brush.
• Weight – Lighter guns (~6 lbs.) carry and handle better afield.
• Recoil pad – Softer recoil pads important for heavy loads.
• Stock fit – Proper length, drop, and pitch allow quick mounting.

While any basic field gun will work, those designed for fast handling excel on grouse. Veteran grouse hunters use their guns like an extension of their body, quickly mounting to flick shots through tiny shooting lanes. Specialized grouse guns facilitate those rapid, instinctive shots required in thick covers.

Semi-automatic guns have also grown in popularity among grouse hunters. Modern autoloaders are reliable, low recoiling, and allow quick follow up shots. Many new lightweight gas system semi-autos handle much like an over-under, but with twice the shots. Whichever shotgun style is chosen, matching the proper load to the gun is essential.

Choke Selection for Grouse

The screw-in choke tube is one of the most useful shotgun inventions for hunters and shooters. Interchangeable choke tubes allow matching shot patterns to hunting conditions. For grouse, modified and improved cylinder tubes are excellent performers.

Here are effective choke selections for grouse guns:

• Cylinder – Open patterns for very close range.
• Improved Cylinder – Versatile constriction for most situations.
• Modified – Slight constriction for 20-30 yard shots.
• Improved Modified – Dense patterns at long distances.
• Full – Tightest patterns for 30+ yard shots in open covers.

For most run-and-gun grouse hunting, improved cylinder or modified chokes pair well with smaller shot loads. These constrict the shot enough for good density and energy at 20-30 yards without producing over-tight patterns up close.

Always test your specific shotgun’s patterning performance with various choke and load combinations. Differences in barrels and chokes, even among the same brand, can significantly impact results. Testing chokes and loads at realistic hunting distances allows selecting the best match for your shotgun.

Quick-change choke tubes like the Trulock Triple Threat allow grouse hunters to fine tune chokes quickly for changes in cover. Starting with more open patterns in thick young covers, then switching to tighter constrictions in more open mature timber as the season progresses.

Ruffed Grouse Hunting Techniques

Grouse inhabit thick brushy areas with excellent hearing and camouflage. Getting within 30 yards requires skill and strategy. Veterans recommend the following hunting approaches:

• Walk slowly and pause frequently when birdy.
• Watch for signs like feathers, droppings, dusting areas.
• Hunt into any wind available for best scent control.
• Use a dog to pinpoint bird locations.
• Concentrate on edges, trails, stone walls, streams.
• Locate and work fruiting trees and bushes.
• Soft clucks and calls can attract grouse.
• Sharp raps on logs may bring in curious birds.

Locating high probability areas, staying alert, and moving cautiously are key. Dogs excel at pinpointing grouse locations. Once birds flush wild, shot opportunities are very brief. Safely intercepting grouse requires picking shooting lanes in advance and maintaining safe fields of fire with hunting partners.

Conclusion

Pursuing grouse in dense habitat demands specialized equipment and shooting skills. By selecting the proper shotgun loads, chokes, and techniques for the situation, hunters maximize their chances of bringing home a tasty brace of birds. When matched to gauge, range, and cover, modern grouse loads offer superb performance. While new shotshell innovations continue, most experts agree the keys are pattern density, shot energy, and hunter judgment. With practice and experience, today’s grouse hunters enjoy great days afield chasing these classic gamebirds.