This is an interesting thread. I've contemplated the same question. I don't carry a .22 handgun too often, but if I ever had to get a snake before it got me at the lake, or it came down to the last resort of a dog attacking while I walk my dog through the neighborhood, I would want something that got the job done without freaking out the crowds. Seems every time some kid pops bubble wrap in my neighborhood someone is on the community Facebook page circling the wagons trying to cause chaos about "possible shots fired!" I saw the CB shorts on a shelf locally, but 29gr. vs. 40 grains of the Quiets makes me wonder if those CBs have what it takes.
Shot loads are what you want for snakes. I’ve read a couple stories about snakes being almost shot to pieces with bullets and still hanging on. .22 shot puts them down pronto, up close, plus you don’t have to worry (much) about ricochets. Unless you think you can head-shoot them every time. Go with shot. The good news is that shot seems to be available pretty regularly.
If the neighbors ask if you heard that noise, say “Yeah, what was that anyway?”
Dogs? 9mm & up, though shot fired just in front of their feet might scare them away. Maybe a stun gun or pepper blaster.
