Pistol Snake Load

25-06

Does anyone know if someone makes a 38 Special snake load with #12 shot? I have tried the CCI shell with #9 shot and at 9 ft. was not impressed with the pattern. Too many gaps that looked like a snakes head could be missed. I have a S&W 640 that I want my wife to carry around the place when she is tending her flowers and garden. I am not equipped to handload.

Riomouse911

The only #12 shot loads I have seen are the practically useless CCI .22 LR loads. Even though there are some gaps, (Which'll be there in any birdshot round fired through a 1 7/8" rifled barrel) I bet the #9 loads will do the trick should she need to ventilate a rattlesnake.

Ray B

I don't know if they are still available, but Speer used to make plastic capsules that fit 38 or 44 cases. I used some of each, loaded with #12, #9 & #7 1/2 shot. Fired from barrels ranging from 2 1/2" to 8", all were virtually useless for any purpose other than possibly scaring a burglar.

charliemeyer007

I had a S&W 25-5 in 45 Colt with an 8 3/8 barrel that would pattern excellent with hand loads. The T-C 44 mag with a screw in choke/straight rifling would do a lot better with their hot shot capsules.

Rifling causes a doughnut pattern, a few bb's in the center, a big gap , then the rest of the payload.

babun

Here is a nice asst. for only about $12.00....

http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=349485551

The handful of speer's should be #9 shot.

tsr1965

I use the Federal crimped end shot shell for 22LR. It is stuffed with #12 shot, and I have killed a bunch of snakes out of a Ruger Bearcat. It works well on mice inside a camp, or birds inside a barn, too.

Best

bambambam

#12 is a joke.

Not that I'd want shot myself with it, but you can shoot a pop can at your feet with #12 & maybe never shoot through the can.

BHAVIN

Using the shot capsules we have loaded and combo of #8 and #12 for years and the snakes don't like it much. We tried just the 12 and just the 8. The combo is better.