Author Topic: Rat shot/snake shot in 22/45?? (Read 1446 times)

JCM · « **on:** November 15, 2004, 02:31:43 AM »

Does anyone have any experience using shot in an autoloader? I'm wondering if there will be jams, etc, and any possible damage to the barrel? I don't want to adversly affect my accuracy with bullets by ruining the rifleing...

If you're wondering why I would be shooting shot in a 22/45, when I bushhog my pastures I see tons of rats. Usually 10-15 feet away. I'd really like to work a little population control on them. I've not used any 22 shot before. Assuming it will work and cycle through the 22/45 with out any damage to the barrel, will it be adequate to finish a rat?

Any feedback is welcome. As an alternative I've considered picking up a 45/410 barrel for the contender, but I really don't need to put any more $ out right now.

Thanks guys,

JCM

Any

Del · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2004, 05:50:47 AM »

I have tried the CCI brand shot shells in my Ruger 10/22 and they would not cycle the action, I would have to shoot one round, cycle the action manually then repeat. I would guess that these won't cycle the action of your 22/45 also, now if I wanted to use these, I would shoot them out of a revolver - for faster follow up shots when needed. You may want to try other larger caliber shot shells, again in revolvers, bigger caliber = more shot = more effective pest control!!

I believe Speer still makes shot shell capsules for reloading, I have some in .44 caliber. Little clearish plastic cups you fill w/your choice of shot size, press in a lil' plastic cap, then load them just like a bullet. I haven't tried them yet myself, but I'm sure you can get reloading data from Speer also. (We just don't have many / any sankes up here in Alaska, I imagine there are some rats in a few port towns, but "basically" none to speak of up here.

Hope this helps, good luck killin' them rats, gosh I hate them!!
Del

Shorty · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2004, 01:50:40 PM »

JCM,
Have you read the "Bee Season" thread at this site?

Del,
I agree that rats at 25' might need more than .22 shot shells.

Tacoma · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2004, 05:12:38 PM »

Rats can be pretty tough critters. You'd be better to stick to traditional bullets out of a 22/45. .22 lr cartridge shot is pretty lame out of short pistol barrels at anything over 10' or so in my experience. The shot is so tiny and few, moving relitively slow and has gaps in the "pattern". However, if you really want to pop rats with shot, ( or just need an excuse for a new toy) a 4-6" revolver in 38/357 or 44 would be a much more capable companion. Of course, it's going to be allot noiser. :shock:

Special Ed · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2004, 02:36:52 AM »

I think your best bet would be a 45/.410 Thompson Contender or Encore. Alot cheaper to shoot than the shot capsule shells & easy to find ammo. Plus a bigger shot payload.

Doc T · « **Reply #5 on:** November 19, 2004, 05:23:30 AM »

CCI shot loads will not function in a semi-auto. They will fire but then you have to work the slide for another shot. They do a number on snakes though but you have to be close. I killed a big Cottonmouth with a 22LR snake load in my Single Six but the range was only about six feet. I agree with the Contender barrel. It will give you much more range and could be used on small game.