Is shotshell hard on the barrel?

[timbo813]

I've read several people talk about using shotshell's in their revolvers for snakes, grouse, etc. Is shooting these hard on the rifling? Is it something that is fine in moderation but you don't want to do much of? Thanks

[grub348]

No.I use them on small vermin around the house, snakes, mice, starlings,chipmunks,etc.I've had no problem with the shotshells in any of my revolvers. Remember that they are only lethal at short range no matter if they are fired from .22 or a centerfire. I have found that 15 to 20 FEET is about the maximum although the 44 or 45 just might get you a few more feet because of a larger shot charge. Unless a grouse is actually sitting on my front sight I don't think I would try to kill one with a shotshell from my revolver.Just my opinion.

[cjw3]

No, the plastic body is brittle and shreds itself to small pieces. If you fire these at a piece of paper at close range you will see many of these pieces stuck in it, along with a larger hole for the base plug. The Speer .38 capsule holds around 110 #9 shot, the .44 holds around 200, so the range is definitely limited. The only way to know how they will do in your gun is try them at various distances.

[NE450No2]

The wife and I have shot a bunch of them in our handguns with no problems.

Between us we have probably killed at least 50 grouse or so.

Most with the 44 Mag, but I have taken at least 8 maybe 10 with a 1911.

We have taken plenty as far as 10 yards. Some farther.

One time my wife shot a squirrel out of a tree that was so far away I would not have even shot at it with a 12 ga.

I would not have believed it had I not seen it.

I could only find one pellet hit to the head, but it worked.

They are a lot more effective than most people give them credit for.