Got a question

[John]

What about those bird shot loads for 44mag and 45 auto? I used some that belonged to a buddy last spring while we were murderin cottonmouths, and I must say, they were impressive for that task. I used his 45 and model 29 as well.

I'm thinkin about gettin some of those loads this spring for my equipment, but I've heard that they aren't good for the barrels.

What's the consensus here among you pistol packers, those shot loads bad or not?

[ghostZ]

I have only used 22 shot shells and never heard anything bad about those except they wouldn't cycle thru my semi.  I was going to get some .40 S&W shot shells to try to get some furries with in my HK and was told they aren't good for the gun.  The guy didn't say why but said not to use them.  I will be watching this thread to see what answers people come up with.

[WD45]

Lead your barrel if you shoot a lot of em yup..... Hurt your barrel noop.
Most people are not familiar with barrel leading and mistake it for a ruined or worn barrel and thus the stories of uncle so and so that ruined his barrel from shooting those loads :-)

[myronman3]

i use them in my 45auto and 44 mag.  for the 44 i reload them with the plastic shot capsules from speer.   my 45 (kimber) will even cycle them though the action (hasnt failed yet) which is something i never expected.   they are potent enough for rabbits out to 10 yards, after that you can forget it.  but i do like them, gives me yet another option to make my pistols more versitale.  
  there are a few threads floating around that talk about making your own shotshells.   some very good informantion to be had.

[444encore]

I've used these quite a bit in 9mm. I never go into the woods during the summer without them.  They're quite lethal on snakes within 15 feet.
 Much past that the shot dispersion leaves a lot to be desired through a rifled barrel.  Never have got them to cycle my P-38 though.

[michbob]

The .22 shotshells are good for rodents, sure enough.  

As for loading your own, does anyone know of a source for really small shot?  The .22 and 9mm (I think) are loaded with #11 shot.  Or, does anyone find that larger shot works better?

Michbob.

[volshooter]

Well, finally a subject I've had lots of experience with. I have shot literally
thousands of handloaded shot shells in .38, .357, .44 spc., and .44 mag. and .45 ACP. I've killed rats, snakes, rabbits stray kitties, possums, coons, squirrels, snapping turtles, bats, well you get the picture. Biggest 2 factors in effectiveness is bore size and shot size. The .44 mag loaded with #4 shot will kill rabbits at 10 yards, even a might further if you get a lucky pellet in. For those of y'all what don't hunt bunnies, it only takes one pellet anywhere in the head and a bunny bites the dirt. Tree rats sre tough so keep the shots close as possible. The plastic SPEER shot capsules will not hurt your barrel. They will leave some plastic residue if you shoot enough of em, but it cleans out with a brush real easy. A good everyday shot size is 7 1/2 or # 6's. I have a few pounds of #12 shot that produces a good pattern but the dust size shot lacks the weight to be deadly past 10 or so feet, does make a fine snake-up-close round. I've bought bags of shot but everyone I know has old shotgun shells laying around, more than enough to keep me in shot. The .22 and .38 are just so-so in power. Many rats I've shot with .38's will just give you a dirty look when hit, they just die with the same shot size from my SBH. I've harvested 200+ rats this year along from the barn. Night shooting with a head mounted light is real fun. Last thing I shoud mention is barrel lenght (according to SPEER manual) makes no difference, Horse Pucky!! .44's from my 7 something inch Ruger kills lots better than the same rounds from a 2 inch snub. oh yeh, don't try to push the loads above listed cause it affects the shot pattern. It gets crazy if you put to much UMPH behind them. Midway will sell you all the empty shot caps you want. Good luck and have fun!
Rick

[daddywpb]

I've been using handloaded 45 LC shotshells for years on snakes. I use a gas check on top of the powder charge, and an inverted one over the shot. Crimp over the top gascheck, and they work great. I've always used 7 1/2 or 8's, but I've never shot anything but snakes and rats with them. They leave a bit of lead in the barrel if you shoot a bunch of them, but it cleans out easily. I've never had anyone tell me that shotshells would cause barrel damage. If they do, they don't know what they're talking about. It's just lead and copper, or plastic. Barrels and chambers are hardened steel. Have fun with them!