I've seen shotshells for the 44 mag and wondered if it was ok for the 629, and what would it be used for...the only articles I've seen referred to snake shooting...can they be used for birds? Sorry if it's a stupid question.

No question is stupid. Some answers are. I carry .44 mag
snakeshot at our HC in my 3" 629. We have a LOT of Eastern Rattlers.

I suppose with a 6" bbl or better you might get a bird
under 20 yds. And thats my stupid answer.

I got heavily into gardening several years ago before a bad injury, at about the same time we had a bumper crop of rabbits. I started using them for a detterent to the furry pests, never did kill one while using these but it definately got the message across fast, No Daytime Garden Raids. The only snakes i've ever seen around my place I let stay but I'm sure if one has a problem with venemous ones they would do the trick, back in the '70's we dispatched alot of copperheads on my Dad's place with just the simple .22 snake shot rounds from a rifle and about 3 feet, would shred a snake head.
RD

__________________
Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

I've used it on squirrels. Had about a dozen that decided to winter in the attic about fifteen years ago. All but two were within range of 22 LR rat shot. The last two were older and wiser and kept just out of range of the 22 LR rat shot.

Effective range on squirrels out of a 7-1/2" SBH 44 mag is about 5 - 10 yards, at best.

Class III

Thanks, guys. Doesn't sound like an effective bird weapon.

I shot at a ruffed grouse with one in my 7.5" Super Blackhawk that was slowly walking away from me at about 15-20'. It sort of flinched and kept walking then flew off more scared of our voices of dismay than injured at all.

I also killed some halibut with a couple, they are a great fish round. Range? About 6" - head shots from the swim deck on my boat. I did same with fullhouse .44 mag 240 gr XTPs And the noise was deafening and I got drenched! As did gun. Another reason for stainless! Clean Break

LOL!!! That's awesome!

LOL!!!

Interesting about the Halibut. I fished for them in Ak. and the guide used a Ruger Stainless Single Six in .22 mag. The blued sights were corroded away.
OZ

The real advantage of the shotshells may be their safety. One is less likely to shoot through the hull of a boat with them than a real bullet. Many halibut fishers prefer a single shot, stainless .410 "Snake Charmer" shotgun for its simplicity and with greater length, it is still easy to operate one handed over the side of a bigger boat for the dispatch and keeps you dry. Shotguns are legal/less hassle to bring into Canada too versus a handgun.

Now we harpoon them. The key is to not lift the fishes head out of the water as you reel it in as it approaches the boat. They stay calmer and provide a steadier target for the harpooner. A quick thrust and the rope with a buoy attached follows the big fish when it swims/dives in its violent death throes. The buoy resurfaces like Quinn's shark in "Jaws" and you pull it in.
Sorry for the hijack, but it is another way to have fun with a Smith and Wesson.



Clean Break

That is one HUGE fish!