Rattlesnake ballistics test anyone?

[okrattler]

Shot one this evening with a .22 revolver using CCI shot shells. #12 shot, 6 1/2" barrel.

My first shot from roughly 6 feet away stunned it. Most of the shot hit it in the face and a few in the neck. Blood was dripping out of its head so I thought it was a done deal. Then he took off so I shot again, hitting it about 5" behind the head. It coiled up and commenced to rattling so I stepped forward and shot it again. It was still buzzing so I stepped forward once more
and shot it again. Both hit it in the head but the spread got some pellets about mid way down its body on my third shot. That last one did it. Pretty much flattened its head at 2 1/2 feet away. Its skull was shattered to pieces but its head was still intact.

I had to skin it out just to see exactly what kind of damage it did since it didn't kill it in the first few shots. I wanted to see what kind of penetration the pellets got at those distances.

Oh and the snake was 3 foot long and 4 1/2" in diameter at the largest section of its body. Not a big snake by any means.

Figured it might be interesting to see just how much killing power these little shot shells out of a pistol really have. If I was in big Diamondback country I think I'd skip the .22 shot shells in my snake gun. I'll post pictures of what I found tomorrow.

[trophy8]

Are you going for a record on new posts?

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by trophy8

Are you going for a record on new posts?

Well you know how it is or maybe you don't. Jesus Christ might hunt me down and kill me today so I gotta live like I'm breaking records.

[AntlerCollector]

I carry a Taurus Judge loaded with 410 shells. It’s a sure fire snake killer.

Stick to plinking cans with your gun.

[deerwatcher51]

Originally Posted by AntlerCollector

I carry a Taurus Judge loaded with 410 shells. It’s a sure fire snake killer.

Stick to plinking cans with your gun.

This

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by AntlerCollector

I carry a Taurus Judge loaded with 410 shells. It’s a sure fire snake killer.

Stick to plinking cans with your gun.

It'll sure enough kill one if you want to get close enough. My buddy had one. It sucked.

Or maybe it was just his. I don't know.

[Clay6x45]

Originally Posted by AntlerCollector

I carry a Taurus Judge loaded with 410 shells. It’s a sure fire snake killer.

Stick to plinking cans with your gun.

See avatar. Works everytime

[BRUTE 23]

I have killed them with my stick for working cattle. One hit to the back of the head.

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[powderburner]

22 shot shells (RAT shot) are rat killing SOB. but on snakes you have to get way to close for them to work.

[Drycreek3189]

Why shotshells ? A snake ain’t dangerous unless he’s in striking range. If you can’t hit one at 8/10 feet you need more practice.

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by Drycreek3189

Why shotshells ? A snake ain’t dangerous unless he’s in striking range. If you can’t hit one at 8/10 feet you need more practice.

It was inside a brick pillar at my moms house to begin with. I was gonna shoot it with a bullet but I didn't want to possibly break a brick and send a bullet out the other side and in to the house. So I figured the shot would flatten on the brick.

[SabreKiller]

I wouldn't think the .22 shot shells would be worth a crap, so that's why I use my .38 and shot shells. Kills 'em dead right quick.

[Drycreek3189]

Originally Posted by okrattler

It was inside a brick pillar at my moms house to begin with. I was gonna shoot it with a bullet but I didn't want to possibly break a brick and send a bullet out the other side and in to the house. So I figured the shot would flatten on the brick.

I can see that.

[Gary Roberson]

I stepped out of my pickup on the ranch in southern Medina County last Saturday morning and heard the "tick" of a rattler. About 4 feet away was the largest rattlesnake I have ever seen in a pasture and the largest rattler I have seen since the late 60's. I never saw his head as it was already under an impenetrable wall of white brush so dense that you could not crawl under, so don't know how long she was. Son Steve and I did get a good visual of the body it was almost the same diameter as a roll of toilet paper and based on the length of what we saw, I would guess the snake to be over 6 feet in length. I saw one bigger in '68 or '69 when cousin Ron Outlaw and where driving from Laredo to Devine at almost midnight on IH 35. I thought there was a cedar post lying in the left hand lane and then realized it was a rattler stretch from almost the center stripe to the shoulder. In those days, there was not as much traffic as there is today, especially at the late hour.
I scrambled for my Ruger 57 last Saturday but I never had a shot. Snakes are really crawling right now, be careful.
Adios,
Gary

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by Gary Roberson

I stepped out of my pickup on the ranch in southern Medina County last Saturday morning and heard the "tick" of a rattler. About 4 feet away was the largest rattlesnake I have ever seen in a pasture and the largest rattler I have seen since the late 60's. I never saw his head as it was already under an impenetrable wall of white brush so dense that you could not crawl under, so don't know how long she was. Son Steve and I did get a good visual of the body it was almost the same diameter as a roll of toilet paper and based on the length of what we saw, I would guess the snake to be over 6 feet in length. I saw one bigger in '68 or '69 when cousin Ron Outlaw and where driving from Laredo to Devine at almost midnight on IH 35. I thought there was a cedar post lying in the left hand lane and then realized it was a rattler stretch from almost the center stripe to the shoulder. In those days, there was not as much traffic as there is today, especially at the late hour.
I scrambled for my Ruger 57 last Saturday but I never had a shot. Snakes are really crawling right now, be careful.
Adios,
Gary

I have buddies that snake hunt down in your part of the country Gary. From the description you gave of the diameter of the body it was no doubt 80+ inches long. I've seen several that they've caught over the years that were that big around or close to it and weren't none of 'em less than 6 foot.

He was moving for a reason. Them big snakes don't get big from waiting for a fight. They're kinda like those old coyotes. They don't get that way from being careless. You'll notice that a lot of times. Those bigguns like that will try to crawl away fast if they can do it.

[cj7zrcool]

This is why I switched cylinders in my revolver and went to .22 mag rat shot.

[mpotts]

Originally Posted by cj7zrcool

This is why I switched cylinders in my revolver and went to .22 mag rat shot.

NAA Pug with 22mag snake shot works like a champ!

[dustoffer]

Originally Posted by cj7zrcool

This is why I switched cylinders in my revolver and went to .22 mag rat shot.

I didn't switch cylinders, I switched to a .22 mag revolver. And learned something -- using regular HP ammo, that revolver is loud!

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by dustoffer

I didn't switch cylinders, I switched to a .22 mag revolver. And learned something -- using regular HP ammo, that revolver is loud!

Oh yeah they're loud. I shot a big porcupine several times with mine using regular ammo once. I didn't realize it until I was on my way home and I turned the music up and I thought something was wrong with the radio. I could barely hear the music until I had it on full blast. You wouldn't think it but a .22 mag revolver will rock your world.

Shot a skunk out of the cab of the truck 6 times with that gun when I was about 16. I'm surprised I'm not using sign language now.

I like .22 magnum handguns but I own ear plugs and use them now. My hearing is already screwed up.

[lanceodom]

Pics??? I use a machete. works everytime.

[fish4food]

CCI Blue capsules suck in 22.

The crimped federal or Winchester are way better! Used to kill a ton of rattlesnakes when I lived down south.

[xman59]

Originally Posted by fish4food

CCI Blue capsules suck in 22.

The crimped federal or Winchester are way better! Used to kill a ton of rattlesnakes when I lived down south.

this is what i was going to say,, apparently the cci capsule start spinning and when the exit the barrel the shot goes out in a circular pattern being slung away from center,,, the crimped type shells fly pretty true, and deliver a better pattern,,,,,, i live in a swampy area and always take a 2" 38 with the cci shot shells,, they work fine out of them and have killed several snakes out to about 12 feet or so with a single shot,,, and the larger shot size works better also

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by xman59

this is what i was going to say,, apparently the cci capsule start spinning and when the exit the barrel the shot goes out in a circular pattern being slung away from center,,, the crimped type shells fly pretty true, and deliver a better pattern,,,,,, i live in a swampy area and always take a 2" 38 with the cci shot shells,, they work fine out of them and have killed several snakes out to about 12 feet or so with a single shot,,, and the larger shot size works better also

I may pattern these I have just to see what exactly the pattern looks like. Just for grins and giggles.

If I find them out away from mom's house where I can't tear nothin up I can assure you there won't be any doubt they're dead. My 12 gauge only patterns one way, really tight. There'll be snake meat strung all over the yard. I'm frickin tired of those little honyocks.

[Leverhunter]

Those are pretty much useless in a 22.

[Jared.King]

I've been liking the .38 CCI in my Ruger

[Cliff Dog]

I carry the .38 CCI shot shells in my S&W They work well on the rattlebugs

[droebuck]

Originally Posted by Cliff Dog

I carry the .38 CCI shot shells in my S&W They work well on the rattlebugs

This is what I use.

OP, pics or it didn't happen.

[okrattler]

Actually I was gonna seal up the hole and starve that sucker out. It was out at my mom's house and she said that was a no go. She wanted him dead.

She texted me this morning and another dog got bit. 5th dog that's been bit in a matter of weeks. 2nd one this week.

[kcmarullo]

I use the CCI 44mag shot shells snakes don't like it !

[okrattler]

This is the shot that got him 5" behind the the head. One shot passed through the ribs and was on the other side stuck in the meat. The hole you see at the top of the picture hit through the back bone and the pellet was completely flat and a chunk broke off of it. That one did the most damage. Besides the pellets to the head of course.

Most of the pellets that hit their mark were just under the membrane on top of the meat.

[okrattler]

This one was the shot that got him about mid length. I think there was only like 2 that were stuck just beneath the skin on the shot in the previous picture.

This is what surprised me most. Snake skin is pretty thin stuff.

[El Paisano]

I have killed several copperheads and coral snakes with the 22 and the crimped rat shot cartridges. They took more than one shot.
On the other hand, I don't recall ever taking more than one shot with my 38 shotshells, and I have killed a bunch with them. I loaded them myself using the old yellow Speer capsules (in the 70's). I probably used #8 shot.

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by El Paisano

I have killed several copperheads and coral snakes with the 22 and the crimped rat shot cartridges. They took more than one shot.
On the other hand, I don't recall ever taking more than one shot with my 38 shotshells, and I have killed a bunch with them. I loaded them myself using the old yellow Speer capsules (in the 70's). I probably used #8 shot.

I've heard the crimped shot shells for .22lr are way better. I haven't ever tested them before.

Actually if I'm not mistaken Marlin had a gun years ago that was called a Garden Gun which was smooth bore specifically for the use of those shells. I could be wrong on that but I think so.

[Big pig]

Originally Posted by El Paisano

I have killed several copperheads and coral snakes with the 22 and the crimped rat shot cartridges. They took more than one shot.
On the other hand, I don't recall ever taking more than one shot with my 38 shotshells, and I have killed a bunch with them. I loaded them myself using the old yellow Speer capsules (in the 70's). I probably used #8 shot.

No offense but hoe or machete is cheaper.

[Big pig]

I like the 38’s in my .357

No offense but hoe or machete is cheaper.

[okrattler]

These are all the pellets I recovered. The big jagged looking ones on the right is what hit the backbone. Quite a few hit the snake Just not very many penetrated deep enough to hit vitals. I think his head got the worst of it but I didn't take any pictures of that.

[Gary Roberson]

That's pretty disappointing performance. That would only **** off a really big snake...
Adios,

gary

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by Gary Roberson

That's pretty disappointing performance. That would only **** off a really big snake...
Adios,

gary

Definitely. One of those down in your part of the country would laugh. Them little ol' pellets would just tickle him.

[canny]

This is my NAA 22 Mag snake gun. Fits perfectly in my turkey vest during spring Turkey season.

But I also carry a couple #6 dove loads for the shotgun for the really big ones if needed.


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[Mr. Stickers]

Originally Posted by canny

This is my NAA 22 Mag snake gun. Fits perfectly in my turkey vest during spring Turkey season.

But I also carry a couple #6 dove loads for the shotgun for the really big ones if needed.


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I bet that’s an ear ringer

[kry226]

I'll go against the grain here and say I've never needed more than those CCI shotshells (either .22LR or WMR) and my Single Six. I've killed bunches of rattlers on my ranchito in the panhandle and it always just works. First shot to the head normally does it, but since the kids are also typically hanging around, I usually throw a second round into it's head for good measure. DRT. And I didn't have to damage my hearing to do it.

I have shotshells for all my pistols, even 9mm and .45 ACP, but they just sit in the box.

And I wouldn't hesitate to use the .22 on Gary's big mama rattler. She might get a third shot, though.

P.S. Those .22 shotshells are great for bat infestations too.

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by kry226

I'll go against the grain here and say I've never needed more than those CCI shotshells (either .22LR or WMR) and my Single Six. I've killed bunches of rattlers on my ranchito in the panhandle and it always just works. First shot to the head normally does it, but since the kids are also typically hanging around, I usually throw a second round into it's head for good measure. DRT. And I didn't have to damage my hearing to do it.

I have shotshells for all my pistols, even 9mm and .45 ACP, but they just sit in the box.

And I wouldn't hesitate to use the .22 on Gary's big mama rattler. She might get a third shot, though.

P.S. Those .22 shotshells are great for bat infestations too.

It could be yours patterns better too. I really don't know. After I shot that first time the snake stopped buzzing and honestly I thought he was a goner. Blood was leaking out of his face pretty profusely. But he was just playing opossum. He caught a second wind on me.

[El Paisano]

I shot a cottonmouth with a 22 mag shotshell ONCE. It froze where it was and never moved a bit. Even after an hour or so it was still just like it was when I shot it. Almost cost me an ear though.

[okrattler]

These past few I've killed are actually the first snakes I've killed in.......I don't know. A good while. My mom's got a huge rattlesnake problem out at her house and she always has me come out there to get one when I'm busy. I think that's what's got these here lately killed. I'm tired of jackin with those crap heads. They're costing my mom money cause they're biting dogs and all that. I like snakes but they're startin to **** me off. I ain't foolin with 'em. If I find them after driving out their I'm gonna kill their ***.

[Bigfootwolff]

Killed a copperhead with a .38 special snubnose loaded with CCI snake shot. It was a big copperhead, but it only took one shot and it was DRT. When I am at my lease in Mason, I carry my .38 snubnose with the first 3 rounds being snake shot, and the remaining 2 shots being standard self defense hollow point rounds. In addition, I also keep a youth model .410 single shot in the truck with a sling that has an additional 5 rounds of.410 shells, just in case I come across a really big rattler laying in the road. If I encounter one that is a little to close for comfort I feel confident with 3 loads of .38 special snake shot to the head. If the snake is far enough away to not be an immediate threat then I would just pull the .410 from the truck and take him out with the shotgun.

[rebelbow]

had my best luck with 22 mag shotshells and 45 shotshells

[Bh_liberty]

I prefer the 44 my self. I’ve always used the blue cci #9 shot shells (they work great) but while In Arizona this summer I found some red ones that are loaded with number 4’s. Have had a chance to test them out yet. But I’m expecting great things from them.


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[Big Lee]

.22 snake shot in a Heritage .22 revolver is useless.

[lizardslick]

Judge is good

[okrattler]

My Mom called me yesterday and said there was a snake in the shed. She shot it once with rat shot and it coiled up and stopped buzzing. She said she shot the 2nd time and it flipped up in the air,hit the wall and wasn't coiled up anymore. I loaded her revolver with bullets and rat shot both. The bullet had went through it in 3 different places. If the rat shot didn't kill it that sure did.

Third rattlesnake killed out there this week and another dog got bit the day before yesterday. 7th rattlesnake killed in a month.