Carpenter bee load for a 38 Special

gregintenn · #1 05-14-2011, 04:39 PM

Inspired by a thread on another forum, I decided to give this a go myself. I put 2.5 grains of Bullseye into a primed case, seat a wad on top with a pencil, fill with crushed walnut hull media, and seat another wad on top of that with my bullet seating die, crimping to make sure everything stays in place. I cut my wads from a sheet of gasket paper with a 3/8" gasket hole punch.
My boys and myself had a great time dispatching several wasps, bumble bees, and carpenter bees with these loads. Here are a couple of the casualties...

I can't wait for the cicadas to get here!

Alk8944 · #2 05-14-2011, 05:21 PM

I would think corn meal would make a good "shot" charge for that too.

enfield · #3 05-14-2011, 05:27 PM

I haven't *yet* tried corn meal. I can say that I'm not totally satisfied with either (1) my current load of crushed walnut over 2 grains of Bullseye or, (2) my marksmanship.

I will say that wingshooting with a .38 is more demanding than with a 12 gauge.

gregintenn · #4 05-14-2011, 06:05 PM

I hate to say it, but my 12 year old is better at hitting them than I am. So's my 7 year old.

cjw3 · #5 05-14-2011, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregintenn

Inspired by a thread on another forum, I decided to give this a go myself. I put 2.5 grains of Bullseye into a primed case, seat a wad on top with a pencil, fill with crushed walnut hull media, and seat another wad on top of that with my bullet seating die, crimping to make sure everything stays in place. I cut my wads from a sheet of gasket paper with a 3/8" gasket hole punch.
My boys and myself had a great time dispatching several wasps, bumble bees, and carpenter bees with these loads. Here are a couple of the casualties...

I can't wait for the cicadas to get here!

We have a few million we could send up your way....

.

ArchAngelCD · #6 05-14-2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregintenn

I hate to say it, but my 12 year old is better at hitting them than I am. So's my 7 year old.

They probably play more video games than you do, true??

Rule3 · #7 05-14-2011, 07:12 PM

I'm calling PETA and the ASPCA!

Maybe roll the media in some tissue paper like a capsule, Might improve the "shot" pattern.

At our range the Deer or Horse Flies are out, those suckers are nasty and will not leave you alone. They are huge. I'd like to shoot those!

gregintenn · #8 05-14-2011, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD

They probably play more video games than you do, true??

Yes they do. It drives their mother nuts because they can name so many models of guns at first sight. Some of that comes from me, and some of it comes from Call Of Duty Black Ops.

noylj · #9 05-15-2011, 02:34 AM

You know Speer makes "capsules" for loading shot. You are simply replacing lead shot with walnut/corn cob.

papajohn428 · #10 05-15-2011, 09:16 AM

I've used .22 ratshot (#12) from a handgun on Carpenter Bees for years. They always seem to know when I'm about to pull the trigger, and take evasive action. My favorite shots are when they're several feet overhead, and a direct hit turns them into confetti.

enfield · #11 05-15-2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noylj

You know Speer makes "capsules" for loading shot. You are simply replacing lead shot with walnut/corn cob.

We're using light, low pressure loads to limit collateral damage to fences, decks and walls. I don't know that the loads develop enough velocity to open a plastic capsule, but I haven't tried them. Cardboard wads work just fine for me.

Rule3 · #12 05-15-2011, 10:39 AM

The Speer Plastic loading capsules act as a projectile and will punch a nasty hole in cardboard. Not something to be shooting in the air at bees and wasps.

Maximumbob54 · #13 05-15-2011, 10:52 AM

I tried the whole wax bullets thing and all I used was a primer. I doubt you even need the Bullseye. The shock from the powder alone may be getting them at closer range.

enfield · #14 05-15-2011, 08:14 PM

Few things give me greater joy than shooting those destructive little b**tards with a .38. Unless it's telling people that I shoot bees on my deck.

My local exterminator is impressed, and puzzled - I kill more bees than his chemicals do.

I wouldn't shoot them if they weren't vermin or good to eat. Being an old fart is good - keeps people guessing.

Rule3 · #15 05-15-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enfield

I wouldn't shoot them if they weren't vermin or good to eat. Being an old fart is good - keeps people guessing.

They are not vermin, Bees and Wasps are beneficial Insects.

Carpenter bees not so much and no I do not like getting stung by any of them.

Dip them in Chocolate or have a Cheese Fondue.