Bird shot sizes for 9mm?

[Northslope Nimrod]

My dad wants to hunt grouse with a handgun this fall. The rules state that loads from a handgun must be:
1) Atleast one half ounce, of
2) shot size between 2 and 8.

Thus, do they make 9mm cartridges with bird shot meeting those requirements? Local store only has #11.

 

[45crittergitter]

No, I'm pretty sure that factory loads will be #9 or smaller. Also, I doubt you can get 1/2 oz of shot in a 9mm load - that's what the .410/2.5" shotshell holds.

 

[Sunray]

Shotshells out of a rifled barrel gives a pattern with huge holes in it. The shot flies in a spiral sending the shot who knows where.
You won't get a half ounce of anything into a 9mm case. Never mind shot. Is a regular .22lr pistol not legal for grouse where you are?

 

[Art Eatman]

I think the best bet would be to check out the CCI "snakeshot" loads. The shot charge is in a plastic "container". Possibly the .38/.357 loads or the .44Mag loads might have shot larger than #9.

Art

 

[Oldnamvet]

Sounds like a good reason to purchase a T/C Contender with .410 barrel

 

[MNgoldenbear]

Just looked it up and the reference I found shows the CCI commercial loadings in #9 shot (except #11 in 9mm). It also shows the 44 mag capsule at 140 grains and the 45 Colt capsule at 150 grains. A half ounce is nearly 220 grains! NOT going to get that much into any of these. Hmmm, a 220 grain 9mm load ... sounds almost like an SSK "Whisper" project The suggestion of the .410 in a TC sounds most reasonable.

 

[Sunray]

"...a 220 grain 9mm load..." Yeah, using a bullet that's longer than the case.

 

[45crittergitter]

If he insists on being legal, he's gonna need at least a .410 handgun... :banghead:

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

Thanks for the info. It really is a dumb law. These upland grouse are really not fun to take with a shotgun. In fact, my dad & I have taken several by hitting them in the head with a rock. It is often hard to get them to fly...they just walk around you thinking they are sneaky.
I .22lr pistol is the ideal weapon for the task. Just shoot them in the head....quick and clean.....and still somewhat of a challenge.
So in Utah, one can hunt buffalo with a centerfire .17 but you need a .44 magnum to hunt grouse. Makes sense.:banghead: