.38 shot shell test

[David LaPell]

Well, I put together a couple of .38 Special shotshells using some capsules and #9 shot that I found in some reloading supplies I was given. I loaded up the shells with 5.0 grains of Unique and gave them just a little crimp. At 7 yards a I shot home made snake target (sorry about the artwork, had to draw with my good hand, not my writing hand). The other target was shot at 6 yards and the pattern is tighter. I think it would do ok on a snake if the need arose.

 

[Will Carry]

Nice! Thanks for posting that. I usually just stomp the crap out of a snake but that snake shot would do just fine.

 

[Rule3]

Why would you need a a 38 shot shell if you have a Dalek as a partner?

Exterminate, Exterminate!

 

[TACC1]

That was a dandy experiment, and thanks for posting.
TACC1

 

[cjw3]

That will do it.

I used shot capsules to dispatch a few cottonmouths when I lived where they are for a few years.

I hate those things....I had a few close calls with them and they stand their ground more often than not. When I ran across a rattler or copperhead, I would not bother them unless they were in the vicinity of a dwelling, etc., where they might be a problem OR if the rattler was good eating size.

 

[Forrest r]

Used to load them with 5 shot & would shoot skeet with them. Never hit very many birds (6 to 9 per round) with them but it made alot of noise & we had fun.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Nice report. You pattern seems tighter than many I've seen. Should work nice on rats and other critters as well. Looks like a 6 yd head shot would be the way to go.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I'd say you got excellent results at such a long distance. I load #9 also, with a light charge of Red Dot. I shoot Rattlers with that load every Summer -- but usually at 6-8 feet.

 

[mikerault]

They would probably discourage 2 legged predators as well. My daughter shot one through a wood panel door and it had enough energy left that I found several of the shot in the basement after they had passed through a stair case riser as well. (There was no intruder, she was trying to uncock a Ruger Blackhawk .357 and it went off, luckily no-one was hurt.)

MIke

 

[dickttx]

We live in the country with concrete porch completely around our house. Copperheads LOVE the adjoining flower beds.
I have used the Speer capsuls and the CCI loads quite frequently. Just kind of point and fire. Never had to use two shots. And, I can't find any of the shot marks on my porch, they don't leave much evidence on the concrete.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I load them in .357, .44 and .45 - but I do it with gas checks.

Load powder, insert gas check - cup facing up - and gently tamp down. Load shot, then top with gas check facing up. Crimp.

You'll be very satisfied with the results. Took out some rattlers in California that way.

 

[goliver]

That's cool. I'll have to load some up for hiking season.


Cheers,


Geoff

 

[NE450No2]

I used to load my own shotshells...

However since Speer started making them as factory rounds I have just used them.

I live in the country now and the wife has killed several 40+" snakes with the Speer loads in a 2" 38. We have both killed snakes and small game such as rabbits, squirrels, quail, and grouse with Speer shotshells in 44 Mag/Special. I have done the same with the Speer shotshells in 45 ACP.

It will amaze you how well they work.

When in the Field We always carry a bunch of them.