Gun Dog Forum

What chokes do you use when ruffed grouse hunting with a 20 g.? Ive been using modified but wonder what you guys have had success with. Thanks

As open as you got!!!!!

I use full but I'm a glutton for punishment... and too cheap to buy a new gun

IC

BellaSpinone wrote:IC

That's what I was thinking about changing it to. Thanks for the replies!

Cylinder

ruffbritt4 wrote:What chokes do you use when ruffed grouse hunting with a 20 g.? Ive been using modified but wonder what you guys have had success with. Thanks

Gauge matters little.....less constriction is normally required in a 28 gauge though.
I use IC in a Sweet 16 Auto 5 at present but SK is likely a bit more popular with the tight patterning loads often sold.
However, either or any of the chokes are actually represented by a range of constrictions and so, patterning tells the true story.
For a double and Bonasa U, it's tough to beat IC-M or SK-LM or that range.
I actually like IC-F or IM in a double.
Each to their own.

GBE used M-F in a 7 3/4# 12 gauge for many years....therefore, don't fret the little stuff.
Have fun.

Cylinder and Improved Cylinder in my shotgun.

Cylinder-skeet or improved cylinder for the beginning of season, tighten up after the leaves fall, improved cylinder, mod or even full as the birds become extremely hard to get close to-----AND THEN,,, you will have them flush right in your face and you will wonder why you tightened up on the chokes

I use skeet in bottom and modified in top, in case I miss with the first.

ruffbritt4 wrote:What chokes do you use when ruffed grouse hunting with a 20 g.? Ive been using modified but wonder what you guys have had success with. Thanks

I assume you are not talking driven grouse?...That would be a different ball game, and even the trigger is the wrong way round with a side by side
Saying that..eve if it was 'walked up' (flushed) ...it would depend on the shell and the gun pattern !.....and a lot to do with the shooter (ime) .

September and October is skeet/IC , leaves come down is IC/mod. 1 oz of 7.5 all the time.

Ic/skeet for quail and grouse

bonasa wrote:September and October is skeet/IC , leaves come down is IC/mod. 1 oz of 7.5 all the time.

I was a fan of 7.5 and 8 for a long time, but a few years ago I started trying 6's off of a suggestion from my father. I've actually grown to like using 6 shot and have since started using it more and more.

polmaise wrote:

ruffbritt4 wrote:What chokes do you use when ruffed grouse hunting with a 20 g.? Ive been using modified but wonder what you guys have had success with. Thanks

I assume you are not talking driven grouse?...That would be a different ball game, and even the trigger is the wrong way round with a side by side
Saying that..eve if it was 'walked up' (flushed) ...it would depend on the shell and the gun pattern !.....and a lot to do with the shooter (ime) .

No "driven" grouse here.

In regards to shot size I gave always used 6s. This year half way through I switched to 7.5 since they seem to be all the rage. I can honestly say I hate it. Doesn't go through the thick stuff I'm usually in and I actually wounded 2 grouse this year which I have never done. Luckily the dog recovered them but if it wasn't for him I'm sure they would have had a slow painful death and that is not for me.

ic/m 7.5 1oz

Interesting comments on number 6 shot. I have also always used 7 1/2's and have considered trying 6's in the past. I believe I will give it a shot (pun intended) next year.

CDN_Cocker wrote:

polmaise wrote:

ruffbritt4 wrote:What chokes do you use when ruffed grouse hunting with a 20 g.? Ive been using modified but wonder what you guys have had success with. Thanks

I assume you are not talking driven grouse?...That would be a different ball game, and even the trigger is the wrong way round with a side by side
Saying that..eve if it was 'walked up' (flushed) ...it would depend on the shell and the gun pattern !.....and a lot to do with the shooter (ime) .

No "driven" grouse here.

In regards to shot size I gave always used 6s. This year half way through I switched to 7.5 since they seem to be all the rage. I can honestly say I hate it. Doesn't go through the thick stuff I'm usually in and I actually wounded 2 grouse this year which I have never done. Luckily the dog recovered them but if it wasn't for him I'm sure they would have had a slow painful death and that is not for me.

I use no6 load for pheasant/partridge and grouse!...I obviously asked the ''driven'' part for clarification , but it bode's well with the flushed ,walk up shooter?..depends on how good a shot you are, and want it sporting , or just shot!....Admittedly the cover , and also the 'pattern' from the gun with the shell has an Impact!...No6 is also used on ducks and geese, if you shoot them in the head .

Walked up(flushed) grouse , allowing the bird to fly away', with the dog at 'stop to flush' with a 35 yard lead is good sport with a N06 and a good sbs game gun and a lovely spaniel

Depending, #6 is a different diameter in American and English cartridges.
Small difference but an English #6 is closer to American #7s.

Having shot walked up red grouse over pointers north of Blairgowrie, it is loads of fun.

Not much as to cartridge or choke does not work for Bonasa U.
But 6s are used by many folks.

Absolutely true!

I definitely wouldn't use 6 for ducks/geese. #2 at the smallest

Grange wrote:

bonasa wrote:September and October is skeet/IC , leaves come down is IC/mod. 1 oz of 7.5 all the time.

I was a fan of 7.5 and 8 for a long time, but a few years ago I started trying 6's off of a suggestion from my father. I've actually grown to like using 6 shot and have since started using it more and more.

Thanks, I may try that. I do remember reading an article about open patterns and bigger pellets in lieu of tighter choke and smaller pellets.A #5 carries as much energy at 60 yards that #8 does at 20 yards. I am so infatuated with the patterns of an open choke and hi-brass 7.5's that I am scared to try different. To the OP this is a gauge/choke/shot combo that I use for grouse off points.

I have a semi auto so I will go with IC. Thanks for the replies.

ruffbritt4 wrote:I have a semi auto so I will go with IC. Thanks for the replies.

That not get heavy when out bird hunting?

CDN_Cocker wrote:

ruffbritt4 wrote:I have a semi auto so I will go with IC. Thanks for the replies.

That not get heavy when out bird hunting?

Oh, good lord.

CDN_Cocker wrote:

ruffbritt4 wrote:I have a semi auto so I will go with IC. Thanks for the replies.

That not get heavy when out bird hunting?

Its 5.8 lbs

Start the season with IC and Mod, then tighten up as it progresses.
I use the same chokes for grouse and pheasant, as they are often both found on the same push.

As for the weight of a semi auto, my CZ O/U weighs the same as my Xtremma semi auto.

I've ALWAYS used a full choke & #4's or #5's, but up here, the wild birds are a lot tougher & hardier than the lower plains birds

I've never had a problem with tagging out, or being "too close"

whatever you use, shoot often! practice practice practice

you can have the best equipment, & lose every time with lack of shooting time.

I shoot Cyl until December, then switch to Mod.
I also am a fan of #6 shot.