Pistol shotshell shot size?

[wonderwolf]

I've tried loading reclaimed (from duds) 7's and 7 1/2 shot in 45LC, 357 etc and had what looks like ok success. Has anybody used something smaller in pistol shotloads? I'm thinking of getting some #12 shot to try but wondered if it works on rattle snake size targets etc? I can get any size shot from Ballistic products (#9 or #10 may be better?) but I don't want to pack 12's and piss off a snake or 7's and have gaps in the pattern that could wound/piss off a snake.

[454PB]

I used to load and shoot a lot of the shot loads in my .44 magnum, even killed a few sitting grouse with them. I used #9 shot, and gas checks under and over the shot. The gas checks actually did more damage than the shot when they hit.

[rockrat]

I usuallly use 9's, but did pick up some #10 shot to try.

[JHeath]

I used #8 . . . this was long ago, in a .41 mag. I cut wads from plastic coffee-can lids, one above and one below the shot, and roll-crimped. I was all of 16 or 17 years old so that's not expert advice. But it worked on eastern Oregon rattlesnakes. I cast for that Blackhawk, too. And owned a Model 57 a little later. Looking back I wonder how many 16 year old .41 mag owner/reloaders are out there. . . seemed normal to me at the time . . .

[wonderwolf]

If I had a .41 cross my path instead of my .44 when I was 16 I would have had that instead jheath but they just are not that common. Thanks for the replies I'll turn it over some more in my brain before I get some shot....I have only used the gas check top and bottom method and you are correct they do cut a swath but that isn't something to rely on. I still have .45LC shot loaded from a few years back, and commercial .44 loads somewhere May have to head out to the range with the different shot sizes (I think the .44's are #9, have never shot them before as they are TC specific and I just got a .44 bbl for my contender not a year ago)

[bhn22]

Ten or twelve, to get the shot count up. Twelve is appropriately referred to as "dust".

[Mk42gunner]

I have killed snakes with both the CCI .38 special load with IIRC #7½ shot, and their .22LR load with #12. Believe it or not, the .22 load is more effective.

If you only plan on using these loads for Mr. No-Shoulders, I would order five or ten pounds of #12 Shot and be set for life.

Robert

[jmort]

I like the 7 1/2 shot

[shooter2]

Yes, it works great and I have used all the sizes from #9 thru #12. I have used them often on snakes. There is an article on loads in Castpics.

[GP100man]

#9 is the perfect balance between retained kenetic energy per pellet & pattern density.

I live in the coastal swamps of southeastern NC & have ample opprotunity to "test" my loads !

While the 44 carries a good amount of shot , I prefer a 4" barreled 357 mag (& get more fps with better patterns) useing 357 max cases sized in a 222rem die useing cereal box cards sealed with waterproof carpenters glue.

I did run up on as deal on #10 shot , but I have`nt done as much test/tuning with it .

Have fun , be careful!

GP

http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx110/GP100man/102_0228-1.jpg (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/GP100man/media/102_0228-1.jpg.html)

[Scharfschuetze]

I also like number nine shot for my shot loads, mostly in the 45 ACP but also in the .41 and the 38 Special. As noted above, it's a good compromise between individual pellet energy and pattern density.

[Larry Gibson]

As mentioned #9 works well but I've always preferred #12 shot. It is available from BPI (just got some a few months back). The shot pattern is much denser and it works very well at close range for small vermin. If I was hunting small game with a choked Contender or revolver I would use larger shot from 8 up to 6 in size depending on the game and the cartridge used. Of course in the .45/410 Contender the .410 is the logical way to go. In revolvers with standard cartridges the Speer shot capsules or home made ones (been a couple threads on those) giving larger shot capacity would be better for those, especially with .44 Magnum, 45 colt and the larger handgun cartridges available now.

Larry Gibson

[375RUGER]

I use #9 my self. Makes a good load in the .44
Speer 44 shot capsule holds 132g of #7.5 and 136g or #9-I think it's about 60% more pellets

[Boogieman]

I load 45ACP shot shells with cases made from 243 or 308 cases. 410 plastic wads cut down to .750. Number 8 shot. they run through my colts like hardball. At 20ft they go through both sides of a steel can

[gmsharps]

I picked up a bag of #12 years ago and it works great. Denseer patterns and at the distance I am shooting them (5 ro 15 ft) they work fine. #12 is a challenge to find and #9 works well also.

gmsharps

[Thin Man]

I'll toss in another vote for #12 shot. Have pattern tested various shot sizes and they all produce acceptable patterns. The #12 shot appears to have a higher penetration factor than the larger shot sizes. At the sound of the shot, the fight is over. This is not my experience with larger size shot loads. Perhaps I am seeing the results of fewer pellets of the larger shot connecting with the target contrasted against more of the smaller size. Thus the #12 gives me more confidence it will end the dispute more quickly than will the larger shot sizes. Your mileage may vary.

Thin Man

[Salmoneye]

I just cut a 12ga 'promo' load of #8 and use the shot...

I get appx. 100gr in a .357 case, and 150gr in a .44 over a few grains of fast pistol powder, and a couple of styrofoam cut wads...

No snakes here, but my loads work to 15' on vermin and grouse...

[Finster101]

When I needed to make some .38 shot shells for a friend I purchased a small bag of mixed shot from a member on here. You may want to give it a try. The different size pellets really packed tightly in the capsule with very few voids. So far they have been 100% effective for him with none requiring a second shot.

[429421Cowboy]

I have always thought that smaller shot was better, and have never really been impressed with shot loads in pistols on snakes much anyways. I still need to get time to try Gear's method that will up my payload by quite a bit.

[jmort]

I have killed over 50 rattlesnakes around my house and the most effective/efficient was was the .22 mag in a single shot rifle. Had a .22 LR/.22 mag NAA mini single action and that would getr the job done, barely. The .22 mag in a rifle will really take the head off a rattlesnake.

[HiVelocity]

Wonderwolf, do what I did. I bought a Taurus Judge, problem solved. ANY birdshot is expensive, around $45 for a 25lb bag. If you can find it.

I still have several shotshells I made from 44 Mag, .357, and they're a toss of the coin regarding a decent pattern on a snake. I just decided that I would do the right thing and have the best of both worlds. Now, I have a scattergun that shoots decent close range patterns, and 45 Colt to boot.

HV

[35 Whelen]

I load #9 shot in a 38 Special and a .44 Special and it's been plenty for rattlers around here. Like someone else suggested, just buy a box a 12 or 20 ga. and cut open the shells for your shot. Much more practical than buying a 25 lb. bag. I shot a couple with .22 LR's and #12 out of a handgun, bad idea.

35W