best .410 load for grouse?

[Hogie135]

So I don't personally use a .410 for grouse as I prefer my 22 and have never used a .410 but a buddy of mine just picked one up for that purpose. He picked up a cheapy box of shells from CT and from the destruction it did to the beer can we shot at about 15 yards doesn't look to me like there would be much bird left.

For those of you who do use a .410 what is the best load for him to use?

[CNP]

Originally Posted by Hogie135

So I don't personally use a .410 for grouse as I prefer my 22 and have never used a .410 but a buddy of mine just picked one up for that purpose. He picked up a cheapy box of shells from CT and from the destruction it did to the beer can we shot at about 15 yards doesn't look to me like there would be much bird left.

For those of you who do use a .410 what is the best load for him to use?

7.5 or 8. 15 yards is close, the pattern is still tight. Head shots at 15 yards and what is the barrel choked at? ...……..a full choke won't open the pattern. An IC choke is ideal for 20 - 30 yards

[catnthehat]

My very old 311 SxS is choked full and full and with 1/2oz loads I have no problem with birds on the fly or with shooting skeet with it .
Cat

[elkhunter11]

Shoot high, place the pattern so the lower part hits the head and neck. #7-1/2 is ideal.

[BorealBucks]

i use a 20 gauge for grouse, dont even know what i shoot, i head shot them every single time, breasts always intact, haven't found a pellet. doesnt even destroy the head.

[Pioneer2]

Early in the season when the leaves are still on the brush I prefer something larger.The 2 1/2 " shells always patterned best and always out of a FC.Use anything from #6-#8 headshots.You can use #9 after the leaves fall.The best choked .410's I've seen /overchoked are the Savage old model 24 .22/.410 and the Baikal single shots both honest 30 yard guns.

[Attilathecanuk]

We use #4 with head shots. Obviously need to pattern the shotgun but that’s what I do and we don’t get pellets in the breast

[Dick284]

3” 11/16 oz of 6’s

[3blade]

Savage 24, 22/410 - I like #7.5 3”

I don’t like #4 at all, not enough pellets/too many misses when they are weaving through the underbrush. That’s when the 410 outshines the 22

You can cut out grouse shaped cardboard targets. Learn where to aim to only hit the head.