When I'm afield, I like to carry some 'special purpose' pest ammunition ("snake loads"). I load my own for my .357 and .44 revolvers, but these and others - like .22LR can be purchased from the major ammunition manufacturers as well. The reason I load my own (except for .22 Rimfire, of course) is because I can customize these loads for my firearms, and the commercial stuff is basically very expensive compared to what a handloader can load.
When loading this type of ammunition, one must purchase special hard shot capsules and lead shot - #s 7 ½, 8, or 9 are recommended. I haven't tried them, but I'm sure #12 would work well, too. I use the capsules from SPEER. They come 50 to a box. Larger pellets will each have more energy than smaller ones, but fewer will fit in the shot capsule, and poor patterns will most likely result. Remember, this ammunition is really a short range proposition. Lead shot comes in 25 pound bags. For loading pistol shotshells, one bag literally could last a lifetime. I've measured .38 SPL/.357 Magnum shot loads to weigh 110 grains, and .44 SPL/Magnum loads to weigh 135 grains - both using #7 ½ shot. This means that a 25 lb. bag of shot will yield about 1,591 .38/.357 loads and 1,296 .44 loads. 1600 and 1300? I think that'll do for a good long tme.
The shot capsules are made from a pre-scored, brittle plastic. These capsules are designed to break on contact with the rifling, while the base wads are somewhat flexible and seal the bore while the charge exits the barrel.
To fill the capsules, scoop them through the shot. Gently shake them to settle the shot, leaving a small space at the top. After a little practice, you will learn just how much space to leave so that the base wad can be properly seated. The best performance is realized with a FULL capsule, with no empty space after the based wad is seated. This gives a full capsule with no rattling of the shot. I like my shot loads to be quiet when I walk.
I use 4.5 grains of bullseye in my .357 Magnum cases, and 6.0 grains of bullseye in my .44 Magnum cases, which is the recommended loading in the SPEER #12 manual. Alternate loads are 5.5 grains of Unique in the .357 Magnum and 6.8 grains of Unique in the .44 Magnum. I have found that in general, lighter charges are better for this application. Remember, this is short range ammunition - so high velocitiy is not necessarily needed. Also, lower charges tend to produce better shot patterns. Good patterns are more important than velocity, as this stratgey will get you many more pellets of slightly lower energy on target. The net result is more effective ammunition.
Seat the capsules slowly and gently (as they are delicate), with the base wads down. I use an averall cartridge length of 1.5" for .38/.357 and 1.55" for .44 . A very slight crimp can be used, but be careful not to crack the shot case!
Test shoot your ammunition, and adjust the powder charge for best pattern. Obviously, patterns will vary from gun to gun due to the individual characteristics of each firearm, as well as barrel length and rifling. However, expect about 1 inch of spread for every foot of distance.
Last updated : 31 October 1999