Best Hunting Calibers for Grouse: .22 LR, .410 Bore, 20 Gauge, 12 Gauge, and .28 Gauge Compared
Choosing the perfect caliber for grouse hunting made simple.
Every grouse hunter has faced the age-old dilemma: which caliber is best for bagging these elusive birds? With so many options available, from rimfire rifles to shotguns of varying gauges, the decision can feel overwhelming. Fear not—we’re here to break down the pros and cons of the most popular calibers for grouse hunting and help you make the right choice for your next outing.
Caliber Comparisons
| Feature | .22 LR | .410 bore | 20 gauge | 12 gauge | .28 gauge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Range The distance at which the caliber is most effective for grouse hunting. |
50 yards | 30 yards | 40 yards | 50 yards | 40 yards |
| Recoil The amount of kick felt when firing. |
Minimal | Low | Moderate | High | Low |
| Weight of Ammunition How heavy the ammunition is, affecting portability. |
Light | Light | Moderate | Heavy | Light |
| Versatility How well the caliber can be used for other game species. |
Low | Moderate | High | High | Moderate |
| Ease of Use How beginner-friendly the caliber is for grouse hunting. |
High | Moderate | High | Moderate | High |
.22 LR
.22 LR is a rimfire rifle caliber known for its affordability and minimal recoil. While not traditionally used for grouse, it can be effective for precise shots on stationary birds. It’s a great option for small game hunters who prefer rifles over shotguns.
Pros
- Minimal recoil
- Affordable ammunition
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Limited range for flying birds
- Requires precise aim
- Not ideal for flushing grouse
Interesting Fact: The .22 LR is one of the oldest calibers still in widespread use, dating back to 1887.
Consider this Caliber If…
You prefer rifle hunting and are targeting stationary grouse.
.410 bore
.410 bore is a lightweight shotgun caliber perfect for beginners or hunters looking for minimal recoil. It’s effective for close-range grouse hunting, especially in dense cover where quick shots are necessary.
Pros
- Low recoil
- Lightweight shotgun
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Limited range
- Smaller shot pattern
- Less forgiving for missed aim
Interesting Fact: Despite its small size, .410 bore can be surprisingly effective for upland game when paired with the right load.
Consider this Caliber If…
You want a lightweight shotgun for close-range grouse hunting.
20 gauge
20 gauge is a versatile shotgun caliber that balances power and portability. It’s a popular choice for upland game hunters, offering a manageable recoil and effective range for grouse hunting.
Pros
- Moderate recoil
- Versatile for other game
- Effective range for grouse
Cons
- Heavier than .410 bore
- Not as powerful as 12 gauge
Interesting Fact: The 20 gauge is often called the ‘jack of all trades’ in the shotgun world.
Consider this Caliber If…
You want a versatile shotgun with manageable recoil for grouse and other upland game.
12 gauge
12 gauge is the powerhouse of shotguns, offering the widest shot pattern and longest effective range. It’s ideal for experienced hunters targeting grouse in open areas, but the recoil and weight may be a drawback for some.
Pros
- Wide shot pattern
- Longest effective range
- Highly versatile
Cons
- High recoil
- Heavier to carry
- Overkill for close-range grouse
Interesting Fact: 12 gauge is the most popular shotgun caliber in the world, used for everything from upland game to waterfowl.
Consider this Caliber If…
You want maximum power and range for grouse hunting in open areas.
.28 gauge
.28 gauge is a rare but effective shotgun caliber for grouse hunting. It offers a balance between the light recoil of .410 bore and the versatility of 20 gauge, making it a favorite among seasoned upland hunters.
Pros
- Light recoil
- Good shot pattern
- Effective range
Cons
- Less common ammunition
- More expensive than other gauges
Interesting Fact: The .28 gauge is often considered the ‘sweet spot’ for upland game hunting due to its balance of power and portability.
Consider this Caliber If…
You want a rare but effective shotgun caliber for grouse hunting.
Conclusion
Choosing the right caliber for grouse hunting depends on your preferences and hunting style. Whether you opt for the precision of .22 LR, the lightweight .410 bore, the versatile 20 gauge, the powerful 12 gauge, or the balanced .28 gauge, each offers unique advantages for bagging grouse. Explore your options and gear up for success.