.410 for grouse?

Question

Which shotgun do people preffer for ruffed grouse? I was looking at a single shot break action in .410. For headshots? How about for flushed ones? If I try the .410 which loads should I use?

Ok, I've already got the 30-06 for deer and moose. If I get into geese I'll get a magnum in 12, but that's some other year. I've used the 12 gauge for grouse, so I know it works fine.

Ya see, my buddy's dad will sell it to me cheap, and I was thinking my woman might like it too.

Good for rabbits eh? hmmm..

Answer 1

great choose for upland birds, I use #4 or #6 with a full choke .410

Answer 2

I would suggest 3", #6 shot for 410 gauge, but to be honest I would go with a 20 gauge instead of a 410 gauge. More shot in your pattern and a much denser pattern than the 410 would give you. The 20 gauge could also be used for Deer hunting too.. My first shotgun was a single shot 410 Mossberg, that I used for Squirrels and Rabbits, but 20 gauge will simply out perform the 410 every time. Grouse are a tough bird to bring down with thick feathers and the 20 gauge will more than make up for that, and give you an edge. Good Luck with whatever you decide on! Safe Hunting too!

Answer 3

That is what I started out with was a 410.* Great Shotgun.* I harvested lots of rabbits, grouse, squirrel & woodcock with it before I advanced to a 20 gauge.* You don't have a lot of room for error on your game like you do with other gauges. You got to be real good with one.* You may want to try the 28 gauge instead.** Shot size I used with the 410 was #4, #6, & #71/2

Answer 4

It can be done, but a 410 isn't a good choice for any kind of hunting if you can get the same gun (and deal!) on a 28-bore, which is basically the same thing but with a better shape to the shot pattern. The popularity of the 410 and lack of popularity of the 28 is an enduring mystery.

Answer 5

You would be better off with the 20 gauge rather than a .410! But you may also look at maybe a 12 gauge just for the versatility! Good luck hunting!

Answer 6

Look, if you are getting a deal, buy it.

As has been covered, the .410 is really not a "beginners" shotgun as is commly held, but it works fine. If buying new, I'd say 20ga.

You can never have enough cheap old guns that someone's grandad or dad or uncle is looking to sell to you......that's been my rule....

Answer 7

I have always shot 410's. Use winchester super x 3 shot. They arent that loud so it doesnt scare everything away and it can be fired one-handed. Get it

Answer 8

if you are going to use a .410 on grouse use 4 shot, and a full choke, it will work fine ive shot pheasant with mine and before my state made it illegal i shot a nice turkey with it also

Answer 9

Get a mans gun get a 12 gage and buy the proper shells for what you want to shoot.A 410 is a child's gun.A 20 gage is a woman's gun.Be a man there are shot sizes for birds to deer and the punk that you might need to return fire on.