Bullet Pull W/ .38 Snake Shot in Airweight Revolver?

[Dump1567]

I usually clip a S&W 360 5 shot airweight loaded with snake shot on my belt when setting-up targets in the desert for any snake encounters. I haven't tested it out, but has anyone experienced bullet pull?

Thanks.

 

[HKSmith]

I experienced this problem many years ago with .44 Special reloads using the Speer plastic shot cups. The gun was a 624 with 4 inch barrel. I never did figure out how to get an adequate crimp even after calling Speer. I think they use some kind of adhesive material to keep the shot cups in place in their factory ammo. I assume you’re using factory ammo, but I would certainly test fire a few cylinders full before depending on the ammo.

 

[rockquarry]

I guess by "bullet pull" you mean movement of the shot capsule caused by recoil. I don't know what you're using in the way of snake shot, but with Speer capsules, I've found the right crimp (enough to hold the capsule fairly well but without breaking it) is a trail and error thing. I can't recall shooting them in an airweight but may have; I did shoot them in a stainless Chief without problem.

I haven't dealt with these in years. I still have some made up but not handy at the moment. I think I used a taper crimp, but a roll crimp would probably work fine once the right amount of crimp is determined - and it wouldn't be much.

 

[BE Mike]

I haven't had that trouble with factory loaded snake shot in .38 SPL. Having said that, I've only shot one round to kill one rattlesnake, so my experience isn't extensive.

 

[Drm50]

In 357 only after crimp I ran clear fingernail polish around capsule at case mouth. Thin, coat one wipe with brush.

 

[Rule3]

I believe the factory shot shells are "glued" I farted around with loading my own using the Speer capsules. Whole bunch of frustration with the caps cracking. Total up the price of the whole protect and not worth it. Bought some factory ones. Shot maybe 5 and still have the rest. I am not troubled by to many deadly snakes, we have them but not a big "threat"
Now carry a 12 gauge with Buc Shot for Pythons!

 

[Bastogne71]

My experience with shot capsules in a M360 was a disaster. The sharp recoil didn’t cause the capsule to move but broke the front of the capsule spilling the shot out. This occurred with several rounds. I’m sure that using an all steel revolver would slow the recoil velocity enough so this shouldn’t be a problem. At least my brother has never complained about their use in his M36.

 

[rockquarry]

The Speer shot capsules work but require some experimentation to get everything right during assembly. However, even with fine shot, about ten feet is the effective range; closer is better.

 

[mikerjf]

Some load 1 or 2 snakeshot up front and the rest hollow points or whatever... that way only the second one is subject to a recoil impulse, and usually only once. Still gives you 2 tries at him before you have to aim.

 

[KSDrifter]

Some load 1 or 2 snakeshot up front and the rest hollow points or whatever... that way only the second one is subject to a recoil impulse, and usually only once. Still gives you 2 tries at him before you have to aim.

That’s how I do it. Doing it that way gives me the added benefit of leaving me room to fight other things with the same gun. Besides, I’ve never had to take on more than one snake at a time.

 

[Dump1567]

I've got the CCI brand. I guess I should take it out and try it. Or do the load 2 followed by regular ammo.
I've also got a 5 shot NAA .22 I could use. Or step-up to my Judge with .410 bird shot.

 

[pasound]

Rattlesnake does taste like chicken.

 

[GeoJelly]

Having a coupla 360's - I can't think of a reason to fire a 'regular' round first, which would then loosen the shot capsule in next round. I actually keep one of the red/larger-shot rounds as first-up in my HD 360 (and 637 and SP101). I've used the CCI shot rounds for years with zero issues since they have always been first to fire. I suppose there is some logic to attempting to hit said critter with a jacketed round, then a quick followup with pellets in case you miss.

 

[rockquarry]

Having a coupla 360's - I can't think of a reason to fire a 'regular' round first, which would then loosen the shot capsule in next round. I actually keep one of the red/larger-shot rounds as first-up in my HD 360 (and 637 and SP101). I've used the CCI shot rounds for years with zero issues since they have always been first to fire. I suppose there is some logic to attempting to hit said critter with a jacketed round, then a quick followup with pellets in case you miss.

Your right, but some prefer to theorize and make things complicated, a common practice on this forum. When I used to carry five rounds of snake shot in my stainless Chief, it was summertime in rural Texas and I was on my riding lawnmower, always alert for a copperhead. Not much chance of running across a bigger critter that would need something greater than snakeshot.

 

[Nevada Ed]

If you are really serious about shooting snakes on the trail or
just general protection and using shot pellets and want more than two shots.............

you need to look into the Taurus Judge ............
and stop wasting your time on second rate snake guns.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I'm not sure why somebody would use the Speer plastic capsules when you can make your own snake loads if you reload. I've made them for 38 spl. using 357 brass. Without a bullet they fit in a 38 spl cylinder and work just fine. Here's the process.

YouTube

I used Bullseye powder but off the top of my head I don't remember charge or the weight of the shot. I have the load in my notes somewhere.

 

[LostintheOzone]

If you are really serious about shooting snakes on the trail or
just general protection and using shot pellets and want more than two shots.............

you need to look into the Taurus Judge ............
and stop wasting your time on second rate snake guns.

Just my 2 cents.

Although a .410 might be the ultimate snake medicine you don't need to buy a dedicated snake revolver. The load I referenced above works pretty well. I've seen the pattern at 4 yards.

 

[Rudi]

That’s how I do it. Doing it that way gives me the added benefit of leaving me room to fight other things with the same gun. Besides, I’ve never had to take on more than one snake at a time.

Don't forget that scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark!

 

[Rule3]

If you are really serious about shooting snakes on the trail or
just general protection and using shot pellets and want more than two shots.............

you need to look into the Taurus Judge ............
and stop wasting your time on second rate snake guns.

Just my 2 cents.

Being this is the SW forum why not a Governor?
Heck I do not care for either of them

 

[Nevada Ed]

On our fishing trips in the Calif. mountains and out hunting trips in Nevada, there is a lot of brush that a snake can get into
to hide.
If you miss on the first shot, a moving snake is hard to hit, one reason
that I like to have more than two shots along with a full 7/8 oz pattern of pellets, working for me, to stop the problem.

I don't mind giving a snake 4-5 shots if needed.

I would not feel safe using the little plastic Speer snake loads on the large Calif. Timber rattle snakes or a big Nev. Diamond Back that goes around five feet and the size of your forearm.