Snake Shot Dispersed by Rifling Spin?

[PeterF.]

Does the rifling in a handgun barrel (versus a smoothbore) cause a shot load to disperse more because of any "spin" that might be put on it?  If so, any idea how much (say, out of a .44 with a 6-inch barrel)?

[southern utah]

I would think that because it not a solid objest it would not have any spin as there would be little to no side pressure on rifleings.

[Reed1911]

The rifling actually disperses the shot in a wider pattern Vs. a smoothbore for two reasons. 1) the pellets tend to bounce a little on the lands and still carry that movement after leaving the barrel. 2) In a smoothbore made for shot the end of the barrel usually has a choke to constrict the shot into a nice tight group when it leaves the barrel. When it comes to snake shot the effect is minimal enough that at the ranges one would need to shoot a snake the shot does not have enough time to spread wide, and at the point it does begin to be a wide spread the snake is not a threat.

[rockbilly]

Depends on how the shot is loaded.  In the old days, (50s-60s) most of my shot shells were loaded in a .357 case.  A greatly reduced powder charge was used, over that a gas check was pushed firmly against the powder, the shot (mostly #9) was loaded, then another gas check placed on top and it was given a light crimp.  This was a fairly effective method of making a shotshell for a handgun.  Later, someone (I think it was Speer) developed a plastic case with a removable plug/gas check, it made the reloading much easier, and is close to the factory shotshell loads today.  I have fired quite a few of each type, I think the plastic cased shells hold a tighter pattern and are more effective.  I have used them on Quail, cotton tails and snakes, and have been successful in dispatching all of them. :shock:  :shock:  :shock:

[PaulS]

I used to load "snake shot" loads in my 357 too. the shot pattern was about an inch per foot so it was nominal to about eight feet but beyond that there was enough holes that hitting a snake's head was a chancy proposition. I now use a 45/410 derringer and it makes a big difference.

My load for the 357 was 150 grains of #9 at 1200 fps from my 4" Ruger.

[williamlayton]

Folks, Rockbilly is a threat to the rattlesnake population of Texas and I am going to report him to PETA.
Blessings

[Reed1911]

The plastic shot shells are great for revolvers, but for automatics they are a chancy matter and often break open on the feedramp. Remington used to make the 45ACP shotshells much the same way we do not but dropped them a while back (crimped long case). Due to customer request and probable market value we began loading them earlier this year and they seem to be a big hit. We load them with #7.5 and #12 shot 150g for both. Hopefully soon we will have finished the 9mm and 40 S&W and have them available as well. The only other concern we had about the Speer/CCI shot shells was the cost. 10.00 for 6 shots is pretty pricey where ours run 8.85 for 25 shots.

[Savage]

I buy the CCI shot caps and load them with #9 shot. I have a 2" .38 that's a dedicated snake gun. The rifling does indeed impart spin to the shot cap as it goes thru the barrel. This creates a donut effect in the pattern. At ranges beyond 8' or so it becomes much more pronounced. It's even more apparent in a longer barrel. At ranges up to 6' it's very effective. Beyond that, the snake's not a threat.
Savage

[myronman3]

i have used the 45 auto speer shotshells,  killed and asparagus snitching rabbit (mr. mcgregor shouldve used that set up on peter rabbit) and killed it dead at a 30 feet through fairly heavy brush.  they even cycle the action on my kimber.   i am very happy with the preformance of them.

but as reed said,  speer aint exactly giving them away.  next time i need shotshells,  i will be placing an order with reed.

[BAGTIC]

Shot from rifled barrels?

I tried firing some 1 1/8 #6 loads from my M1100 slug gun. At 40 yards not one pellet hit my 36" w x 48" high target.

[Savage]

BAGTIC,
That's about what I'd expect.
Savage

[Graybeard]

While in theory the answer to the question asked is yes, in the real world the answer is maybe. Each gun is a rule unto itself. You just never know how they will perform with shot until you try them.

Case in point. My cousin long ago had one of the few Winchester Model 55 (I think) single shot rifles that ejected the spent case like a semiauto and you then loaded another thru a gate in the top. That rifle patterned shot like a smooth bore with a choke. Just unbelieveable. I've had a few handguns over the years that did the same. Only by shooting on paper will you know how yours will do.