Today's Squirrel Hunt Adventure

[coyotehunter223]

I have always been a .22 man when it comes to squirrel hunting, and most always fill the pot. I recently bought a H&R .410 because I have just always wanted one. I have had it at the range a few times to pattern different 2 1/2 shells. It did best with Winchester 2 1/2" #6 shot. At 20 yards, the pattern on paper was very evenly filled with every shot. I was well pleased. Well today I took it out for it's first hunting trip. About 7:30AM I shot my first squirrel and watched it fall from the tree at 20-25 yards. I left it lay not wanting to disturb the area. About 20 minutes later I shot my second squirrel and watched it fall from the tree at about 20 yards. I went to get it and it was nowhere to be found. I searched the area a good 10 minutes. DANG IT! I went to get the first one I had shot. I found blood on leaves at tha base of the tree but no squirrel. I searched for this one a good 10-15 minutes but no squirrel. DOUBLE DANG IT!! I know the gun patterns very evenly at those distances. Could my problem be I should be using 3" shells with more shot? Surely the little .410 has enough kill power at this distance. What are your experiences?

[a4beltfed2000]

If you are using the 2.5 inch shells I would use the #4 shot, esp later in the season, when the fat is getting a little heavier. i would suggest. 3 inch in either a #5 (if you can find them) or 6s.  just a touch more punch. I use a H&R .410 for opening day (thinner but, more leaves) and the #4s did a fine job never lost a one.....

[MSP Ret]

Are you sure that something did not drag the dead squirrels off? Perhaps Big Morty for you oldtimers here. I suggest you pattern the 3" .410 shells before you hunt with them. Most here have better patterns in the little .410 with 2 1/2" shells. The 3" shells are reported to have blown patterns with holes in the center of the shot group. Try yours to be sure....<><....

[coyotehunter223]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll get a box of 3" shells. I see Winchester is the only one offering 3" with 3/4oz of shot. It seems the other mfg's just offer the 11/16oz size. I know that's a small difference but that probably counts for another 10-15 pellets.

[Brett]

Definitely pattern the ' shells before hunting with them.  The 3" shells shoot doughnuts in my .410. 

[bobg]

  I agree with Brett on the 3" shells. Giant holes in the center of the pattern. I have also had problems killing squirrels with the 410. Switched to the 28ga. Works a little better than the 410. Neither one of them work as well as my old Western Auto 20ga. .
      bobg

[coyotehunter223]

Thanks for the tips on the 3" shells. Sounds like I should just save my money and use the 2 1/2" shells and go to smaller shot than #6. Of course that would mean even less pellets. I do have an old Savage 20ga but I really liked the idea of the little .410. Maybe I should reserve it for rabbits only.

[fr3db3ar]

Who wants to pick pellets out of his meat?  As much as you might have liked and wanted to go to a shotty.......I suggest only 22LR on squirrels.   One shot one kill.

In all the time I've been hunting squirrels with a 22....I can't say there is ever a time that I wished I had a shotty instead.

JMO

[Markus]

My suggestion would be to get a 20ga. Perfect squirrel gun and whou doesn't want to add to their gun collection.