Snake hunting ammo?

[thrillhouse700]

Going snake hunting for a friend who is having snake troubles eating their birds. I have a marlin 795, glock 17 and mossberg 500. Which gun should I use and with what ammo?

Would my glock with shotgun rounds ruin the rifling or is that FUD? Would it even be a wise choice for snake?

Anyways any advice would be appreciated.

[robcoe]

Mossberg, with birdshot

the 795 would be ok also, but I know from experience it is much easier to take out snakes with birdshot.

the main problem with the shot rounds for handguns is that they are very expensive for what you get, I see them at $1-1.50 a round all the time, whereas 12ga birdshot is about $0.20 a round.

[jermedic]

I would go with the shotgun with birdshot. Snakes are a pretty small target to start with and they are pretty quick and good at finding hiding spots. I think it would be hard to get off an accurate aimed shot with the rifle or pistol. Just my thought, but i have never been snake hunting.

[thrillhouse700]

does the cci shot shells trash barrel rifling?

[Full Clip]

Use some #4 shot or BB. And wear eye protection!

[robcoe]

does the cci shot shells trash barrel rifling?

I haven't seen any reviews that say it does, Its a plastic shell over birdshot so I don't see anything that would cause damage, but you probably will have to clean your gun more often.

[CSACANNONEER]

does the cci shot shells trash barrel rifling?

No, your barrel will be fine BUT, your gun will not cycle the rounds. I have experimented with many different semi autos and have not found any that will reliably cycle shotshells. My gun of choise would be a .410 with a revolver full of shotshells being second.

[Timberwolf]

Shotgun with #8 shot. Shotshells for a pistol are OK but you don't get a whole lot of bang for your buck and it may take a couple of shots.

[thrillhouse700]

Ok will have to check with the local turners for #4 or #8 shot. Would the snakes still be edible after #4 or #8?

[Timberwolf]

Ok will have to check with the local turners for #4 or #8 shot. Would the snakes still be edible after #4 or #8?

Depends on how close you are, what your choke is and how good of a shot you are. My Mossberg wears its 18.5" barrel with IC choke when on snake security duty and and I aim a little in front of the head. When you skin it you can generall remove any stray shot.

[shooting4life]

I would go with the shotgun for what you have available. Just be catefull with the head. If you poke yourself with a fang venom could still be injected.

[gbp]

use a shovel