I used to pack a 38/44 Outdoorsman with 6" barrel while flyfishing in rattlesnake country. I made my own snake rounds with 7-1/2 shot. I like snakes and never had to remove one from his territory, they usually glide off if given a chance. Around here they are not common enough to become a pest, fishing where they were a problem was actually better in the fall when they were more likely to be in the rocky outcroppings surrounding the creek.