.38 shotshells from cci

[Dale53]

Larger shot have more energy. However, when you actually pattern them, you'll find that coarse shot leaves great holes in the pattern. If you don't hit the snake, it doesn't matter WHAT you "don't hit it with".

#12 shot has plenty of energy at 10-15 feet and that is ALL you need as long as you have a decent pattern. #12 shot will give you that pattern. If the snake is further than 15 feet I leave it alone unless it needs to be removed because it is around inhabited dwellings, etc. Then, I just get close enough (but far enough away that it can't reach me) and "remove" it. #12 shot will shred a snake at the necessary range.

Dale53

 

[NiklasP]

Dale53,

Forrest r's report of #5 shot breaking clays easily at 50 feet indicates that those larger shot spread out lots less than smaller shot. I have seen this effect when developing scatter loads. A load of #5 shot that breaks clays at 50 feet is a load that is much denser closer.

Like others, if snake is not close enough to strike me, I leave it alone. However, there are other uses for revolver shot loads, for which an acceptable pattern of larger shot, #5s or #6s for instance, would be nice.

Niklas

 

[Muley Gil]

"I shot an 8" diameter snapping turtle head on"

Shoot, a litte one like that should be in an aquarium. Most of the ones I saw while I was living in Alabama where closer to two feet across.

 

[Combat_Diver]

I've loaded and carried the Speer capsules for years in .38/.44 SPLs. Usually I loade #9 for .38 and #7.5 for the 44 (will have to try the #12) Found a few copperheads around the new house (NC coastline) after moving in and where dispatched with a 410. However, I usually throw on a pistol with afew shotshells loaded first when yard working. I do have an older TC Contender 10" .357 hotshot bbl. With the choke in (stops/slows down the spin of the shotshells from the rifled bore) and I get 3-4" patterns at 15 feet. Hank thanks for the .41 info as that is my favorite cartridge and I'll load some for my M58.

CD

 

[Grog]

A few years ago I tried some of the CCIs out of a 2" Taurus 85 on a B27 around 20-30 feet away and the entire target was pelted with itty-bitty holes. I can't say it proved anything, but since I picked up eight packs at a local walmart for $2 each I wanted to see what they would do.

 

[NE450No2]

I have used quite a few Speer shotshells over the years.
I first loaded them myself using the capsules from Speer.

In fact just a few days ago I found 75 rounds that I loaded 11/2/76 [thats right 1976!!] with #9 shot in 44 Special cases using 7.5gr of Unique.

After Speer started making the factory loads I just bought and used them.

I have used mostly 44 Mag, and 45 ACP. The wife and I have taken a lot of small game for the pot, squirrel, rabbits, quail, and grouse. We have also killed a lot of snakes with them. I even killed some dangerous snakes in Africa with them in a44 Mag.

I have also used them in 38 and 9mm with pretty good results, especially on snakes.

I never go into the field without several of them.