KyJon got it right. The "sportsman" was ground swatting with head shots in the right barrel, shooting flushed birds only after the first ground swat. I swore off the use of #9 shot after finding #9 shot in strong flying doves that I shot with much larger shot. The #9s were just under the skin and did not bring the birds to ground when shot at ranges that some doves are shot. Shoot a dead grouse with #9 at 37 yards and let me know where you find the shot. I think it will be barely into the skin and first eighth of an inch of flesh. I would rather use 7 1/2 or 6 on any bird bigger than a hummer.
