Snake loads for .357

[gamestalker]

In all the years of reloading for rifle, pistol, and shotgun I never picked up the process for snake loads. Does anyone know a source for revolver snake loads, .38 special /.357 and up. Living in Arizona I can't tell you the countless number of times I've encountered a rattle snake and wasn't properely prepared or loaded up for the circumstance. A couple of times over the years I've been fortunate enough to have had a shotgun in my hands, end of story. But in all honesty, because of my extreme fear or phobia of them, I've never been able to successfully shoot one with a handgun. I'm hoping there is a load that will have the ability to produce a 30" pattern of #9's at 10 yds. so I can shoot some clays with them also, just kidding. But I am interested in loading my own so no more can be lucky enough to avoid being eliminated from my world.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you're looking to load them there are plenty of ways to make up shotshells for the .38 BUT, the easiest way is to use the shot caplets from Speer. They work very well...

Speer also sells the ammo but it's much cheaper to load yourself. I use brass cases, #9 shot and W231. You can use Unique and a few others if that's what you usually use in your handgun ammo. Load data comes with the capsules.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I use my Lee sizer dies and punches to punch cardboard wads. I use 3.5gr of Bullseye and a .357mag case. After sizing and priming case, I charge it with the 3.5gr of Bullseye. I then seat a cardboard wad over the powder. Fill the case to about 0.1" below the case mouth with #9 shot. (larger shot isn't recommended due to fewer pellets, though you can get by with #8's). I then place another wad over the shot and crimp it into place with the bullet seater punch set to lightly compress the wad over the shot as the case is crimped.

From my 4" bbl Ruger Sec.6, you'll get about a 12" pattern at 12ft. About the farthest you'll be able to get reliable "kills" on your snakes.

I do the same with a .45LC and with the larger case diameter, it holds 0.4 ounces of shot. Almost equivalent to a 2-1/2" .410 shotshell. With the .45LC, I use 4.8gr of Bullseye (my Lee # .5cc dipper).

 

[GP100man]

30 ft is a bit far with handgun loads , plastic capsules or card over !!

Handgun loads outer range is 15ft .

For denser loads with bigger shot I form 357MAX with a 222rem die to load a full cyl length shotshells with 7 1/2 shot to extend range a bit , but loaded this way with 9 will glue a snake to the ground , not even a wiggle most times !!!

 

[gro_din]

What powder charges have you worked up for this snake load?

 

[Walkalong]

As posted, the easiest way is the Speer capsules, but you can make your own. I prefer .44 myself, as it holds more shot. It is affective to around 10 feet or maybe a little more. I am only concerned with snakes if they are at least that close. Other than that, I am unconcerned with them.

Use a dense, fast, powder to save room for shot if loading your own. It doesn't really matter with the capsules as you have plenty of room for powder.

 

[Shaky]

This is how I've made mine since reading the article (with the 000 buck mentioned at the bottom): http://gunblast.com/Snake_Stopper.htm

 

[poco loco]

Another vote for the speer capsules...Like 7 bucks for 50 instead of a buck a round and very easy to load...first round in the J is always snake this time of year here in the Sonoran desert......

My box I just finished loading was so old it was still using Unique...5.5iirc......

But unless they are trying to live under your house, try to leave them be....They're all that keeps us from being over run by Pack rats.......

 

[gamestalker]

Thanks for the information. Oh and Pocoloco, I leave the other snakes alone but not a rattle snake. If I see it, I'm going to kill it, sorry.

 

[bigedp51]

The Speer shot capsules are great but before this .357 copper gas checks were used and crimped in place and sealed with clear nail polish for a water proof round. (or the gas check for your caliber hand gun)

 

[KansasPaul]

Hi, the Speer shot loads, as mentioned are readily available - heck, you can even get them in .22. That said, if snakes are a true threat and you are phobic about them (I say that because my friend is) I would actually consider one of the recent .410/45LC revolvers from Taurus or S&W. Or perhaps a single shot .410 derringer (I own a cheap one that I stick in my pocket when in snake country).

...just a thought.

Blessings

Paul

 

[Walkalong]

I cut plastic "keepers" that I sit over the shot and roll crimp in. Just like the gas checks, but cheaper. Milk jug caps work great, but any plastic about that thickness will work. I still have a good stash of caps handy.

 

[2zulu1]

After shooting a Diamondback 3 times with CCI/.357 snake shot, 4-5ft, without killing it, I prefer regular old JHPs behind the head, point shooting.

Having been bit by a Mojave from behind, I now walk as close as possible to the rattler before shooting; haven't had one get away.

.410s are great, I've thought about buying a Judge just for rattler carry.

BTW, it took about 2 years to fully recover from the bite, rarely do rattlers rattle IME.

Bob

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Taurus Judge or the S&W Governor revolvers are very heavy!!!

Why not carry a tiny double barrel 410 shotgun/derringer instead?

 

[Eb1]

I am surprised nobody has posted this link yet.

http://www.castbullet.com/reload/44shot.htm