My 44 Speer Shot Capsule load is 7.5 grains of Power Pistol and 7 1/2 shot. I wouldn't argue with anyone who uses smaller (or larger) shot, but this load is very effective on our Prairie Rattlesnakes --- I've killed a bunch of them. If a snake is trying to escape in tall grass, I like the larger shot for better penetration. I also like the 38 special capsules, which I usually load with # 8 for some reason. Also, very effective.
I once killed 24 Prairie Rattlers in a couple hours with a 4" Kit Gun and the old WW shot shells with 25 grains of shot. Worked fine.
I've also killed a bunch with a Ruger 22 Mag using CCI shot shells. The mags used to have 53 grains of #11 shot, now they use #12. Again, all these loads kill our size of Rattlers @ 6-8 feet.
You have a crimp these pretty well or they will back out and tie up the cylinder. I've never crimped one so hard that I broke it.