As I stated before , I load 44 capsules in a 45 Colt with 6 or 4 shot . Just one of those big shots will kill a snake or brake it's neck . Also I do not have a " pinwheel " pattern as my load does not spin , and at 1000 fps it is not underpowered
I'll second that. My old beater 637 (loaded with two CCI shot shells up first) is the mowing and garden gun.I've successfully used shot in a .38 on snakes (CCI capsules). IME it's effective to 8-10 feet. In your original post you expressed hope that shot loads from a .38 would be effective on larger predators that you didn't specify. IMO I wouldn't count on that.
I am curious, how do you know your load does not spin? Perhaps it does spin, just not enough to cause the "pinwheel" or "donut" patterns?
I recommend the 357-snake shot or larger for snakes. The 22lr is for flys and such lol
The gas checks to make those can be bought at Sage's, which I posted above. They also have shot. That is how I make most of my snake shot loads now. I've been using mostly #9, but I did try some #12 with #6 and it upped the payload a good bit. Just not sure it's necessary to use anything but 9 for actual snake shot.Awhile back read an article in Handloading magazine by Venturino. In preparation for making some "snake" loads following his procedure, bought some #12 shot and 44 gas checks to use in 45 LC cases. If memory serves, his underwad was an upright gas check seated just over a mild load of fast powder, and his overwad was an upside down gas check lightly crimped over. Never actually tried this, and the #12 shot was difficult to find at the time. But apparently alot of #12 shot fits in a 45 LC case , which he used at extremely close range.
thanksThe gas checks to make those can be bought at Sage's, which I posted above. They also have shot. That is how I make most of my snake shot loads now. I've been using mostly #9, but I did try some #12 with #6 and it upped the payload a good bit. Just not sure it's necessary to use anything but 9 for actual snake shot.
Don’t forget your ammo is also expensive and hard to find.