CCI .38/.357 for snake AND critters?

[shanewomer]

I have a Ruger .357 Security Six, and a .357 Service Six, and a rattler hanging around my front door, which my friend stepped on the other day, and thank the Lord that it didn't bite him, but instead curled up and rattled.

Also, I've got some pesky 4 legged critters running around biting the ears of my cat!

If I keep my Ruger .357 loaded with CCI Shot Shell for a .38, I know that will do that trick for the Rattler, but how about possum size critters as well? Would it kill 'em with one shot, or just freak 'em out?

Thanks, Shane

 

[fletcher]

I would not trust those shotshells on anything bigger than a snake. Having fired a few for fun, those little pellets really aren't going to do much on a good sized possum. Stick with .38s or .357 for that.

 

[glockman19]

The #9 shot is good for rats & Snakes. I'd use something with more penetration for the possum

 

[shanewomer]

I was just looking for one gun, loaded for whatever the lady in the house would need to grab and shoot.

How about if I loaded my Dirty Harry gun with .44 CCI Shot Shell? Would that take care of either for a quick, single gun to grab and shoot?

Thanks for the replies.

 

[fletcher]

Bullets will work for everything if the lady can shoot. If you want one kind of ammo, I'd just throw .38 in there and call it a day. It should be enough to take care of small critters easily.

Those shotshells are just likely to leave a bunch of shallowly embedded shot in the possum. Will scare it off most likely, but if you're going to shoot at it, make sure it's to kill.

 

[shanewomer]

Should I get one of those .410 revolvers, like The Judge by Taurus, or the Thunder 5?

How large of a critter can a .410 shot shell take out?

Thanks

 

[ArmedBear]

.410 shotshell can stop a man, if it's loaded with self-defense ammo (5 buckshot balls in series), or a slug.

The issue with shotshells is the size of the shot pellets in them, not the size of the shotshell. The size of the shotshell determines the optimum payload, e.g. 1/2 oz. of shot for a .410, 1 1/8 oz. for a standard 12 Gauge field load, etc. The shot itself is the same. #6 in a .410 and #6 in a 12 Gauge are identical; there's just more of it in the 12.

I shot a cottontail rabbit with #6 at a good distance. It dropped instantly -- so fast I wasn't sure if I'd hit it at all, since it didn't move a bit after the shot.

#9 shot wouldn't have done that. That's what's in the snake loads in question. I have a box sitting at home. #9 shot is generally used for snakes, small rodents, and skeet shooting, none of which require much penetration, but all of which are more easily hit with a dense pattern. You get more pellets in a shell when the pellets are smaller, but each pellet carries less energy.

Possum would probably drop dead with #6 shot, even 7 1/2, especially at close range. I haven't tried it, but they seem a bit tough.

Anyway, I would be reluctant to use the snake shot right next to the cat. It spreads about 1" per foot from the muzzle, from what people here have told me. I haven't patterned it yet. Good chance you'd hit the cat.

What about something like a Ruger Bearcat for possum? I've always wanted an excuse to get a Bearcat. Maybe you have, too.

 

[dbarale]

Here's an excellent article about snake shot and its effectiveness:http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot30.htm

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I was about to recommend a .410 shotgun but you already mentioned it.

I would suggest buying a real shotgun though. A pistol is hard to shoot accurately when rushed. Keep the Ruger loaded with .38 Shotshells for fast shooting right in front of the door and keep the shotgun near the door for anything further than 20 feet. You can buy a H&R Pardner single shot .410 shotgun for between $100 and $125. I bought one in 20 gauge, put a 5 round sleeve on the stock so I have extra ammo handy. They load very fast, not as fast as a pump but close enough. http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/pardnerYouth.aspx

 

[GP100man]

shane do you reload ????
if so making a round to do what you want is a matter of a little time.

GP100man

 

[shanewomer]

shane do you reload ????

Thanks, but I don't.

Shane

 

[shanewomer]

Here's an excellent article about snake shot and its effectiveness:http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot30.htm

That was really a great review. Thanks for the link!

Shane

 

[20nickels]

If you go with the .410 Taurus, try before you buy.

 

[GP100man]

shane
when u buy the facttory shot shells & get them home take each one & see if u can twist them if you can its a possibility that under recoil the capsule will creep out & tie up the cyl , bad timming always kiks in , probably when needed most!!!
iv even had some factory that didnt break the capsule upon exiting the muzzle!!!!

GP100man