Here in Northcentral PA, rattler and Copperhead country, my handgun shot loads have been the heavier Unique powder charges and #7.5 shot. I have never seen #12 shot and found #7.5 shot ties the snakes in knots on the first shot.

Wear eye protection to be Safe from shot bounce back! I load .38 Special, .357, .44 Special and .44 Mag snake loads. All work well. My loads are powder charge, gas check cup up, shot and another gas check cup down and a slight roll crimp.

Adam