Toying with the idea of goiing to Scandinavia to hunt black grouse on skis. Would want to take my 16 / 7x65R combination gun. Conscious that a 139 gn softpoint is probably a bit too much so thinking of use a non expanding solid bullet - but which one. Any thoughts please.

Go with FMJ - if you don't reload Norma already does - just for the purpose:

http://www.norma.cc/en/Products/Hunting/7x65-R/FMJ/

Yes - use FMJ from Norma

Who you going with?

It is an awesome hunt. You will love it.

An advice based on experience though: Choose the most accurate ammunition you can find, have a rangefinder and know your ballistics. A blackcock is a surprisingly small target, and the longer your effective range is the greater your chance of success. Shots range from 50 meters upwards, with 110 - 200m the most common where I have hunted. Misses are not unheard of...

A precise combo gun is a good choice. Bring some heavy shotshells, in case you need to follow up a wounded bird. An fmj does not do a lot of damage, so a poorly hit bird is often able to get up and off. This is especially true for caperc.

Oh, on bullets though: A blunt nosed Fmj is usually considered the most effective, as a sharper bullet merely punctures through. Personally, I think this discussion is most relevant for .22 calibers. With a 7mm I would not be to worried, use whatever bullet gives the best groupings. Norma fmj is a safe choice if it works in your gun, in 7x57R the cartridge has a mixed reputation.

There are many hunters out there with far more experience than me, but "toppjakt" is among my very favourite hunts in the Nordics.

Thanks gents for your advice, any thoughts on who we should go with?

And are black grouse/capercaillie any good to eat, or is it just a trophy? I am not actually too worried about the shooting bit, its more the experience.

Very good eating!

What kind of of experience are you looking for tent expedition or hotel?

Black grouse and caperc... is indeed good eating, tastes very distinct of game, try it with a stronger Rhone wine..

Calibers like 6,5x52R etc. are Classic fo shooting them with rifles