Choke for grouse

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ruffbritt4
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Choke for grouse

Post by ruffbritt4 » Wed Jan 01, 2014 5:52 pm

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

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Will
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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Will » Wed Jan 01, 2014 5:59 pm

As open as you got!!!!!

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CDN_Cocker
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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by CDN_Cocker » Wed Jan 01, 2014 6:01 pm

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

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by BellaSpinone » Wed Jan 01, 2014 6:01 pm

IC

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ruffbritt4
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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by ruffbritt4 » Wed Jan 01, 2014 6:04 pm

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

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gonehuntin'
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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by gonehuntin' » Wed Jan 01, 2014 6:18 pm

Cylinder

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Mountaineer » Wed Jan 01, 2014 6:58 pm

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.

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Grange
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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Grange » Wed Jan 01, 2014 8:14 pm

Cylinder and Improved Cylinder in my shotgun.

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Rod W » Thu Jan 02, 2014 11:00 am

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

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Ruffshooter » Thu Jan 02, 2014 12:56 pm

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

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by polmaise » Thu Jan 02, 2014 1:53 pm

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 :wink:
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) .

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by bonasa » Thu Jan 02, 2014 8:06 pm

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

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by bmcox86 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 7:41 am

Ic/skeet for quail and grouse

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Grange
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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Grange » Fri Jan 03, 2014 8:47 am

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.

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by CDN_Cocker » Fri Jan 03, 2014 12:06 pm

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 :wink:
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.

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by MATT4126 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 12:21 pm

ic/m 7.5 1oz

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by madmurph » Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:51 pm

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.

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by polmaise » Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:11 pm

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 :wink:
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 :wink: , 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 :lol: :wink: .

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 :wink:

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Mountaineer » Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:24 pm

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.

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by polmaise » Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:36 pm

Absolutely true!

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by CDN_Cocker » Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:42 pm

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

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by bonasa » Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:43 pm

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.

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ruffbritt4
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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by ruffbritt4 » Sat Jan 04, 2014 1:08 pm

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

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by CDN_Cocker » Sun Jan 05, 2014 12:35 pm

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?

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Mountaineer » Sun Jan 05, 2014 12:42 pm

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.

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by ruffbritt4 » Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:57 pm

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

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by cutty72 » Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:21 pm

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.

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Pastor Brown » Wed Jan 08, 2014 2:05 pm

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.

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Re: Choke for grouse

Post by Lucky Dog » Wed Jan 08, 2014 5:47 pm

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

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