More snake shot questions

[Will]

I read all the posts on snake shot in 38spl. My load is 3gr unique plus inverted check plus 20 #4 pellets plus another upright check and heavy crimp. I noticed everyone else is using very small shot (8 or 9). Is there some reason I should be using smaller shot than #4?

[JSnover]

Having never tried this, I'd guess the smaller shot puts more pellets in the pattern. Makes it harder to miss the snake.

[35remington]

Yep, that's the reason. Not enough shot in the pattern. Ain't many 4's in a 38 Spl snakeshot load, and the smaller pellets penetrate adequately while filling the gaps.

Of course, arguably, if the snake's really close any type of shot will increase the odds of a hit over a single bullet. Some have claimed that a great many very small shot, like 11's or 12's, gives more of a "lights out" effect.

Since max range is rarely over five paces I like the small shot myself.

[beagle]

I've been using #9s and it does them right in....so far. Since most shots are less than 10 feet and the rifling disrupts the pattern, you need all the help you can get and smaller shot gives you more of a pellet count./beagle

[Baron von Trollwhack]

At 5 or 6 feet anything from #9 to # 5 is a sure killer if the front end of the snake is centered in whatever pattern you get. Make lots of shots, find out . That's what paper plates are for. I know you have seen Federal's turkey head targets and what's vital. Snakes are near the same.

Spare the big black snakes and the common brown watersnakes. BvT

[Will]

BTW I have that turkey head on my PC that you can print with any graphics program like Windows Paint. If anyone wants a copy PM me with your e-mail.

Will

[Will]

I just went out back and shot the turkey target at 10ft. 10 out of the 20 #4 pellets hit the 8 1/2 X 11 target and only one hit what would be a vital spot. Guess I better try some #8 or smaller.

Will

[Dale53]

Will;
Since we are talking about REALLY close range, the finer the shot the better. Better pattern and better coverage. MY preference is for #12 shot when available. There are a LOT more shot if they are #12 compared to #8, as a for instance. That is: 2385 #12 shot in an ounce and 410 #8 shot in an ounce.

Dale53