Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns 9mm snake shot ?

Anyone ever use it for snakes ?

I’m going to start doing a good amount of stomping in snake territory so I’m trying to figure out what to carry for snakes.

I have a 40 I could carry as well... or a 32 mag but they don’t make shot shells for that.

My choice is an sp101 with 38 snake snot. A lot more pellets than a 9mm, which probably won’t cycle either. IMO 38 snake shot is barely adequate

My P365 cycles the CCI shot loads perfectly.

You'll probably have to pick up a box and try it to see if it will function in your pistol - the CCI stuff comes in box of ten, so not a big commitment. Based on my tests I'd recommend you use largest caliber pistol you have.

Haven't tried the 9mm - I tried the 22LR, 38 SP, and 45 ACP:

The 22 would not cycle my Ruger MKII pistol, patterns were pretty poor, tiny #12 shot. Need a revolver for this one.

Tried the 38s in an SP101 and a Dan Wesson .357. No function problems, #9 shot, poor patterns - but better than the .22.

The 45ACP was surprising - functioned perfectly in my stock Colt Govt Model - fed from magazine and ejected no problems - and pretty decent shot patterns - heavier load of #9 shot and even coverage with no big gaps.

You should check to see what shot size is in each of the choices. I believe a 9mm is loaded with #12 shot, so you have a better pellet density than the .38 loaded with #9 shot. These loads are effective at very close range. You should draw a picture of a snake head on a pine board and shoot at it at the distances you think you will be at, and see how effective the shot will be. And it is probably best to wear snake proof boots if you are walking around where you may not see the snake until you step on him.

The 9 mm has the same shot size (#12) and almost identical number of pellets as the .22 Magnum, the .22 Mag patterns are denser (out of a 1 7/8" barrel).

The one thing that I noticed....short barrels pattern better. May have something to do with the shot capsule breaking up faster out of longer barrels.

The .22 LR is okay for very short ranges. The number 12 shot penetrates well enough for any snake but the density falls a bit short after 5 feet. Kills chipmunks and rats okay, but they aren't trying to bite you.

The .38 Spl load patterns well enough for a snake out to 7- 8 feet (442 or 60 S&W 1 7/8" barrel). It does not pattern as well out of a 4" Model 15. I would prefer it to have either #11 or #12's though.

The absolute best snake load out of a handgun is the Remington .45 ACP crimped load with #12 shot. They haven't been made in years but function 100% out of 1911's or Sigs (not recommended for revolvers).

I been disappointed with all the snake shot loads I tried up and including for the 44 mag. I now carry a S&W Gov.

I shot a lot of copperheads and rats with 357 shot capsules and most needed a second shot. I would guess the 9mm would be a little less shot.

I've shot one rattler with 22lr shot from a very short distance....and it took several shots, then a stick.

I've shot a couple of copperheads and A LOT of rats with a S&W Gov from a tractor seat while bush-hogging and it's a different weight class on "effective killing power".....yeah, it's a different weight class to carry as well but that doesn't bother me a bit on the tractor.

Used a .38spl airweight a fair bit with snakeshot back in NC. Was handy and effective, no complaints. It’s for dispatching a snake, not fighting a war.

Edit: have setups in 45lc and 45acp, too, but have never used. Pleased enough with above.

Wrap some skateboard tape directly behind the head/blade of a garden hoe, carry it upside down and use it for a walking stick, I do that going into the woods early to clear/clean shooting lanes for the coming fall, keep your sidearm loaded for bear, both two or four legged.