.22 shotshells for snakes while hunting

[one-shot-one]

the 22 shot shells will kill a snake if you put the muzzle right up next to them, but if you don't have to, don't use a gun to kill it or just don't kill it.

 

[jcord]

My land is over run with copperheads, (West Virginia). I have a policy. I snake in the woods will be left to do his business, a snake in the yard is shot on sight. (they like to get on the cabin porch at night). It is hard to go outside to take a leak without being in close proximity to one.

I have used the CCI 22lr shot loads but prefer the 38 special in my j frame.

 

[Cueball]

22 shotshells are definitely not sufficient for snakes. They are good for wasps/hornets etc but that's about it. Go with a 38 shotshell at minimum.

 

[B.D. Turner]

I try to avoid shooting snakes that are not causing me a problem. NC weather gives us snakes up and about well after Christmas some years. I would stick with the .22 and not use shot shells below .38 special.
Another alternative is one of those little .410/.45 double barrel pistols. I remember back during the Hurricane Fran flood a guy had made a nice holster for one with shell loops for four extra shells. Bunches of snakes had come to highground durning the flood and he said it worked great.

 

[RubenZ]

.22lr is more than enough for snakes. If you can aim one shot to the head is more than enough Pretty much unless you hit it in the head, a .22 or .25 wont matter :0 the snake will still be moving if you hit it anywhere but the head.

 

[Shadow Shock]

sure a .22lr shotshell would work. solids work much better. whenever i go hog hunting (and sometimes when i'm deer hunting) I carry my 1911. I keep it loaded with 230gr FMJ's, but I have a few shotshells in my pocket for if I have enough time to load one. They blow the s**** out of snakes, but then again a FMJ will too. My policy for snakes is shoot on sight.

 

[Dallas Jack]

I've killed dozens of snakes with .22 shotshells. Shots taken at four feet or less kills. At over four feet I have had to shoot them four or five times. I've also used .22 magnums, .38's, and .44's. The .22 magnums work a little better but not much. The .38 and .44 will turn their lights out. (all shots being head shots) I am now using a .45 acp with shotshells, works good but does not cycle my auto.

I agree with others about leaving them alone when possible. But if they are found in the yard they are killed and any kind of water snake is also killed.
Dallas Jack