Effective range of snake shot?

[gtodave]

I have used those smoke cartridges followed by flooding for rats.

My go-to in the past has been to block off all the exits and run tractor exhaust through a hole. That didn't work this time for some reason. The smoke bombs don't do anything. You can't get the sulfur bombs any more. Water works, but I'm on a well and DAMN it uses a lot of water, and you have to be ready to smack 'em with a shovel when they come running.


I'm wondering if THIS rifle is a smoothbore...I bet it is. Maybe gramps will let me borrow it.

 

[Joseph]

Just checked the trap. 4 more victims over the last couple days..

 

[alucard0822]

Rat shot works pretty close, but the big question is how close are you shooting to the chickens, and what damage are you trying to prevent. Bucket traps work awesome, centerfire rat shot out of a revolver is more effective, but a lot more expensive. Often times a BB gun or light 410 loads will do it further out. We have a farm next door and mice try to get in every time there is a cold snap in winter. bait piles and my FA co2 Umarex bb gun are stupid fun, but traps work better. Might hit 1 or 2 outside with bait, then check the bucket in my shed and find a dozen drowned mice.

 

[gtodave]

Rat shot works pretty close, but the big question is how close are you shooting to the chickens, and what damage are you trying to prevent. Bucket traps work awesome, centerfire rat shot out of a revolver is more effective, but a lot more expensive. Often times a BB gun or light 410 loads will do it further out. We have a farm next door and mice try to get in every time there is a cold snap in winter. bait piles and my FA co2 Umarex bb gun are stupid fun, but traps work better. Might hit 1 or 2 outside with bait, then check the bucket in my shed and find a dozen drowned mice.

Mice are easy to get. Traps of all types (including buckets) work great. Rats are a whole different thing.

The rats don't come out in the daytime, so I'm hunting at night when the birds are cooped up. I have a wood backstop to shoot against, so I'm not worried about collateral damage. Dogs stay inside while I'm out.

 

[John from MD]

Damn that's cool...might have to invest in that

Before you do, know that it is very heavy for caliber.

 

[gtodave]

I know they make it in .22LR, .22 Mag, .38 SPL, .40 S&W, .44 SPL, .45 ACP, .45 Colt and 9mm. In some cases, you can get #4, #8 or #12 shot. I have tried the 9mm in several semi autos and it will not cycle, either with the #6 or #12 shot.

The only thing anyone has in stock right now (online) is .38. I got some, and I guess I'll have to borrow a revolver to shoot them. I don't have a .38 gun (but a lever rifle would be fantastic). I'll hit some LGS's to see if they have any garden guns or ammo in stock

 

[MeatGrinder]

I got our smoke cartridges from Tractor Supply. I just checked online and they are in stock in Glen Burnie, but not available in Mt. Airy. I'm surprised, maybe it's a local ordinance thing?

I think most. 410s are full choke. I'm not sure what that would do at your distance.

Forgive me for sounding like a broken record, but you really need to check out the CCI Quiet 22 ammo. From a bolt gun the noise is less than a pellet gun.

 

[Pale Ryder]

What about one of those garden scarecrows that looks like an owl? The chickens are probably to stupid to be afraid of it, you might need to move it around from time to time.

 

[John from MD]

I got our smoke cartridges from Tractor Supply. I just checked online and they are in stock in Glen Burnie, but not available in Mt. Airy. I'm surprised, maybe it's a local ordinance thing?

I think most. 410s are full choke. I'm not sure what that would do at your distance.

Forgive me for sounding like a broken record, but you really need to check out the CCI Quiet 22 ammo. From a bolt gun the noise is less than a pellet gun.

I have to agree. The CCI Quiets (710 FPS) and CCI suppressor (910 FPS) are very quiet from a bolt gun. If you get an older one with a 26 inch barrel, they are almost noiseless.

 

[Joseph]

Forgive me for sounding like a broken record, but you really need to check out the CCI Quiet 22 ammo. From a bolt gun the noise is less than a pellet gun.

This is good advice and very true. These are also great out of a lever action .22

 

[gtodave]

Forgive me for sounding like a broken record, but you really need to check out the CCI Quiet 22 ammo. From a bolt gun the noise is less than a pellet gun.

I have loads of that ammo, but I'm shooting a moving target in the dark where I can't see my sights too well. I want multiple projectiles instead of one.

 

[MeatGrinder]

I have loads of that ammo, but I'm shooting a moving target in the dark where I can't see my sights too well. I want multiple projectiles instead of one.

I think that a red dot sight is the answer. Patterning a .410 at your distance might be interesting.

 

[lazarus]

Unless you have a Remington Garden Gun, the rifling of your rifle or pistol will disperse the shot. I would not expect much from the .22 version. My .45 Colt with 5.5 inch barrel will kill squirrel size rodents within 7 yards but it has a lot more shot.

That was my thought too. I figure about 5yds from 38spc rat shot on a snake or rat. A 22lr I'd figure shorter range.

 

[gtodave]

I think that a red dot sight is the answer. Patterning a .410 at your distance might be interesting.

That's a good idea...might see if I have one laying around

PS: I'm sitting out here right now. By this time Monday (my first "hunt") I had 3 shots. Today, nothing. I've been leaving the spotlight on to get them used to it, but it's either scaring them away or making them wait longer to come out. Don't want to be doing this at 3am

 

[Uncle Duke]

The only thing anyone has in stock right now (online) is .38. I got some, and I guess I'll have to borrow a revolver to shoot them. I don't have a .38 gun (but a lever rifle would be fantastic). I'll hit some LGS's to see if they have any garden guns or ammo in stock

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[teratos]

10 gauge 3-1/2” magnum should be good.

 

[Rambler]

I think the CCI #4 shot .45 Colt shotshells out of a Judge would do the job.

 

[gtodave]

10 gauge 3-1/2” magnum should be good.

Asked a guy at the Outdoor show yesterday if he had any snake shot. He said "Yup, in 12 gauge"

 

[Biggfoot44]

I agree. I would say the effective distance is measured in feet, not yards.

Actually I have tested this . It is single digit feet . Closer to 3 feet .

And large rats laugh off .22 rimfire #12 hits , unless it's directly to eyeball .

The CCI .45Colt shotshells Will reliably drop large grain fed rats at 10 feet .

 

[Biggfoot44]

I think the CCI #4 shot .45 Colt shotshells out of a Judge would do the job.

IF CCI actually offers a #4 , it's a misguided attempt at ( human) self defense .

The .45 Colt shotshells with the original #9 are the best balance of pellet size and pattern density for pests .

Yes , I have used a bunch of handgun shotshells on large rats , of enough variety to have comparitive experience .