For decades, I have loaded 44 special shot loads, speer plastic cup and #9 shot over Unique, about 6 grains or so. I have killed several timber rattlers, all at distances of 5-10 feet and never needed but one shot to the head. All were shot from 3 inch barreled 44 special revolvers. Yes, shooting carpenter bees on slow summer days can be fun also. I am a believer in the shot cartridges for roaming around outside in the summer months in the south. They have not failed me yet.
|