I ,also, have had found 22 shot a waste of time and money. I attempted to kill a rattle snake with several shots and finally succeeded when I got within 2'. Took the revolver back to the house and found that the 22 shot would not penetrate a cardboard box. Have loaded my own 38's and they work well. I heard that people shoot rats in the attic with success. But with my luck I would hit an electrical or water line.