Snake Killer Rounds

[robertc1024]

So, a buddy at work today asked me about rat shot rounds. They are for his father who mows a lot of property and finds rattlesnakes too often. I vaguely remember people talking about that a couple of years ago. Yes, they don't cycle semi-autos. Yes, I've seen the roll-your-owns with #9's. Yes, CCI makes some. I'm thinking about a .38/.357 mag revolver for him. Anybody had any experience loading for them?

 

[Vaquero]

No experience loading them.
The CCI stuff will blow a rattlers head off.
Pattern spreads rapidly due to rifling (inertia)

10 feet is a long shot.

 

[robertc1024]

Yep. Stuff I've seen was for 12 feet. Should be good when riding around on a riding mower.

 

[Charlie]

Never had one not cycle in my Rem. 1100.

I've shot them in my .1911 and they cycled OK (and that was a Defender that's supposedly doesn't cycle right!)

 

[Dawico]

Honestly I would lean toward a Judge/ Governor for that particular task. Or even a youth model .410 shotgun. I used to shoot my kid's single shot like a pistol.

Factory rat shot for normal pistol calibers is junk for any serious work.

I have never loaded my own rat shot. Factory rat shot in 12 gauge is too cheap to bother trying.

 

[Younggun]

I've loaded some for .357. Not hard at all but can be time consuming.

Would have to find the powder charge again. Think I remember but don't want to post bad info.

Then it's just cardboard wafer, shot, cardboard, hot glue.

Not very cheap considering I was breaking down shotgun shells to make them.

 

[robertc1024]

That's about what I read too. Sharpen up a .38 case, drill the primer pocket out and start punching out cardboard.

 

[Younggun]

Punching out those little cardboard wafers was the worst part for me. The cases used for cutting them never seem to last long.

 

[motorcarman]

I just buy the Speer plastic shotshell capsules and load with reclaimed shot (7.5 to 9) from Rotometals.
The charge I use is 5.5gr Unique but I'm sure a lite load of similar powder will do.

The capsules can be loaded to OAL of either .38 SP or .357 Mag. The capsules will hold more shot than just filling a .357 cartridge and topping with cardboard. I do use that technique for my 1895 Nagant revolver as the cases are LOOOOONG and the bullet actually seats inside the case. Powder, cardboard, shot, cardboard then a heavy crimp like the factory.

I usually have to shoot 2 to 4 Copperheads a year around the house and they pi$$ me off when they bite one of my dogs!!!!!!

Other snakes get caught and carried down to the goat barn for rodent patrol.

Don't crimp heavy!!! the capsule will be damaged.

bob

 

[TheDan]

So, a buddy at work today asked me about rat shot rounds. They are for his father who mows a lot of property and finds rattlesnakes too often.

I bought a Judge specifically for that. The snakes must know because I haven't seen one while I had it on me since then

 

[Younggun]

I just buy the Speer plastic shotshell capsules and load with reclaimed shot (7.5 to 9) from Rotometals.
The charge I use is 5.5gr Unique but I'm sure a lite load of similar powder will do.

The capsules can be loaded to OAL of either .38 SP or .357 Mag. The capsules will hold more shot than just filling a .357 cartridge and topping with cardboard. I do use that technique for my 1895 Nagant revolver as the cases are LOOOOONG and the bullet actually seats inside the case. Powder, cardboard, shot, cardboard then a heavy crimp like the factory.

I usually have to shoot 2 to 4 Copperheads a year around the house and they pi$$ me off when they bite one of my dogs!!!!!!

Other snakes get caught and carried down to the goat barn for rodent patrol.

Don't crimp heavy!!! the capsule will be damaged.

bob

I made from scratch because for the longest time the capsules were out of stock.

 

[shortround]

I have a single shot, break-open .410 shot gun set aside just for rattlesnakes and copperheads.

#4 Shot at close range (inside of 15 feet) has proven to be 100% deadly.

After dispatching the snake, I use a long stick and hoist him on the fence.

Does not take long for the buzzards to carry him off for a nice meal.

Be well.

 

[vmax]

Just a thought here
How about a 410 snake charmer ?

 

[don1911]

I use judge. It's been used to kill over 20 copperheads in 3 year period at my place. Maybe I ran em off now. Have t seen a single snake this year.

 

[bones_708]

Pistol shot shell ammo cost around $1.50 per round and they been easier to find than they used to be. Cabela's and Brownells have some in stock for some calibers right now. If I was getting a gun just for snakes I would go ahead and buy a .410 pistol. While the 38 ratshot works great you do have to get a might bit closer than with .410 and it's a good excuse for getting a new gun.

 

[zincwarrior]

124 grain Gold Dots. For when the snake really really ticked you off and its GOING TO DIE. That will teach you to bite my dog you SONOFA!!

 

[Rebel]

Guy I know uses snake shot in his Model 686. Don't recall if he has a 4" or 6" barrel. He's killed many a rattlesnake with that revolver.

 

[FrankT]

22, 9mm and 45 are all great out of a handgun, will not cycle but for a snake normally 1 shot is enough or use a revolver. I carry a spare mag at the lease w snakeshot for my 9 or 45 and just load it when I see one and have a 9 shot 22 revolver in my tool box.

 

[matefrio]

Hopefully he's out in the country. Discharging a firearm, no matter the round, isn't legal in most large towns.

 

[Vaquero]

Hopefully he's out in the country. Discharging a firearm, no matter the round, isn't legal in most large towns.

Runnin' 'round nekkid is frowned upon too. Mostly.