44 mag rat shot

[presspuller]

I'm thinking about making some since the snakes have started showing up around the house. I have not looked online but I can't find any info in any of my reloading books. Does anyone have any suggestions? What size shot? What load?
Thanks guys.

 

[cfullgraf]

Here is a good article that should get you started.

https://loaddata.com/articles/PDF/LD-35 Haviland LR1.pdf

Using Speer shot capsules will get you more shot in the load since the capsule extends beyond the case mouth.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010926475?pid=788584

Since the available space inside a handgun cartridge is small, the smallest size shot is ideal. #9 at the largest but #10 or #12 will get a few more pellets in the case. Handgun shot shell loads do not have much effective range anyway so pattern density is more important than shot size.

 

[jmorris]

Get some of these and load data is on the box.

https://www.natchezss.com/speer-empty-handgun-shot-capsules-base-plugs-44-cal-25-ct.html

I have had the best results with #12 shot.



Also, the faster I push them the worse the pattern gets. I use 6.0 gn of 231/hp-38 in my 45LC loads using them and would likely start there for 44.

 

[Walkalong]

I have had the best results with #12 shot.

Me too, but #9 is ok, just not as good coverage. The capsules @cfullgraf & @jmorris linked to are the easiest way to do it, short of buying them preloaded from Speer.

 

[Patocazador]

I didn't want to buy #9 or smaller shot because I'd probably die before using 1/4 of it so I loaded .44 and .45 shot capsules with #8 shot. It works OK if you're close.

The Speer reloading manual has info on the shot capsules but you have to hunt for it.

 

[presspuller]

Thanks guys. Of course I don't use any of those powders. I have 2400 and accurate #2, 5, 7, & 9. Would any of those suffice?

 

[Walkalong]

#2 should work very well.AA #5 should work as well. #7 is a bit slow IMHO, with #9 and 2400 being too slow.

I can't remember off hand if I tried it, but I did have it back then. I used W-231. Any fast pistol powder should suffice. I liked W-231 over 700X because it was denser and I could fit more shot in my home made rat shot capsules. Using the Speer capsules this doesn't matter.

 

[ericuda]

Buy some 12 shot and a pound of powder recommended. Well worth it esp if the snakes are the poisons variety. An ole bull snake just pick up and move.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

#2 should work very well.AA #5 should work as well. #7 is a bit slow IMHO, with #9 and 2400 being too slow.

I can't remember off hand if I tried it, but I did have it back then. I used W-231. Any fast pistol powder should suffice. I liked W-231 over 700X because it was denser and I could fit more shot in my home made rat shot capsules. Using the Speer capsules this doesn't matter.

When building .38 Special snakeshot I use W231.

As for shot, I bought a box of 12ga #12 shot and opened all 25 shells to harvest the shot. It lasts a long time.

 

[Steve51]

I use the Speer shot capsules filled with #8 shot over 6.7 grains of Unique in a magnum case. For me the shorter barrel revolver has the best pattern.