Powder Puff Loads for Small Game

[Sheltowee]

If not already clear, the middle of the offseason is driving me up the wall. So today's daydream was powder puff loads suitable for grouse or other small game for a standard centerfire cartridge that I'd otherwise be carrying for deer or elk. I'm thinking 10ish grains of Blue Dot and dacron or wool filler to eat up case capacity, but I'm not sure whether to go heavy-ish for caliber or very light for caliber. This would give me the advantage of popping a Newberg Turkey (aka grouse) or a squirrel for the cooking pot while still shooting suppressed. If I could reliably go subsonic and still ensure the projectile doesn't lodge in the barrel, all the better. Anyone have any experience with this or should I quit overcomplicating things and just carry my unsuppressed Glock 44 .22LR?

Specifically thinking about my 6.5 Creed [insert your manbun/that's already a powder puff cartridge/etc. joke here] or 338-06 but I think the general principle would apply to any centerfire cartridge.

 

[95tigerbill]

Find the article “The load” by CE Harris.

 

[Caseknife]

Dad shot the heads off grouse with his 1937 Model 70 '06 with iron sights and surplus Army loads, but no, don't have any powder puff load suggestion

 

[EastTNHunter]

POI will be an issue. I’ve done similar in the past with Unique and cast bullets, and although fun, resetting zero between mouse fart and full power loads created too many issues to overcome for practical use

 

[Sheltowee]

POI will be an issue. I’ve done similar in the past with Unique and cast bullets, and although fun, resetting zero between mouse fart and full power loads created too many issues to overcome for practical use

Yeah, I would anticipate a certain amount of Kentucky windage being involved. Just wanting something to be able to pop a grouse within 25 yards or so, if the situation arises.

 

[Potsie]

.22 Pistol Recommendation

So here’s the deal. I own several pistols, but am by no means a pistol “guy.” Last spring I won a .22LR can at a banquet, and it should be here soon. I’m thinking that a small, compact-ish, .22 pistol with a can would be great to throw in my pack with some subsonic ammo for grouse while I’m...

www.hunttalk.com

Also, significant amounts of fun to be had.