We don't live (or travel) in moccasin country so I have no experience shooting them. HOWEVER...we have to go to Mississippi to clean out a vacant tenant dwelling owned my my mother-in-law so we can list it for sale. The property is 15 acres with house, barns, sheds, pool and pool equipment bldg. plus a couple of greenhouses. It has been neglected for a couple of years and we have now evicted the tenant. We have been told by others living in the area that there is trash, debris, etc. all over the property so we know we will encounter snakes and other varmints.I have been searching for .38/.357 snake shot but cannot find any! I can find 9mm but I don't trust the plastic shells to load properly. I can find lots of .22 mag at Bass Pro so may have to settle for it as it will be in a revolver.Is .22 mag enough for Mississippi moccasin, copperheads, and rattlers?Thanks!

I've used .22 shot shells before, very poor on reptiles unless you are almost point blank. In Arizona, we prefer to remove them from the property and release them alive in a more natural surrounding. However, if there is no other option, I've found a shovel is much more effective than shot shells.

Back in the old days my daddy would grab them by the tail and snap their heads off in one big motion as he through them way from him... Seen him do that many a times haha...Just be aware of where you step and what you are reaching for...I am always very caution stomping thru the woods where you may have to step over a fallen log. They might by laying on the other side of the log out of sight...Roy Ken

Almost any firearm will kill a snake. My first choice would be a shotgun, but its up to you. Any firearm but a shotgun needs careful aiming.Be especially careful about what is around and behind your target.Be aware of all the appropriate gun laws in that state and local jurisdiction. No need for an arrest.By the way, rattlesnake is good eating. Most people wouldn't touch it, but I'm not most people.Death is nature's way of telling you to slow down.

ClickyHere is what the Wife and I use in .38 and .357 revolvers. Very effective IMO. You will be working so you need to travel light so these rounds in a S&W Airweight Is what I carry. I carry 24/7 so I only have the first round up as shot. The rest are HP's.

Gonzo42 wrote:By the way, rattlesnake is good eating. Most people wouldn't touch it, but I'm not most people.Tastes like chicken...the "other" white meat....they make great hat bands too...:B:B.....Dennis

Is .22mag snake shot enough for moccasins? | Good Sam Community

TucsonJim
Explorer II
Apr 04, 2014
I've used .22 shot shells before, very poor on reptiles unless you are almost point blank. In Arizona, we prefer to remove them from the property and release them alive in a more natural surrounding. However, if there is no other option, I've found a shovel is much more effective than shot shells.
RoyB
Explorer II
Apr 04, 2014
Back in the old days my daddy would grab them by the tail and snap their heads off in one big motion as he through them way from him... Seen him do that many a times haha...

Just be aware of where you step and what you are reaching for...

I am always very caution stomping thru the woods where you may have to step over a fallen log. They might by laying on the other side of the log out of sight...

Roy Ken
Gonzo42
Explorer
Apr 04, 2014
Almost any firearm will kill a snake. My first choice would be a shotgun, but its up to you. Any firearm but a shotgun needs careful aiming.

Be especially careful about what is around and behind your target.

Be aware of all the appropriate gun laws in that state and local jurisdiction. No need for an arrest.

By the way, rattlesnake is good eating. Most people wouldn't touch it, but I'm not most people.

Death is nature's way of telling you to slow down.
Horizon170
Explorer
Apr 04, 2014
ClickyHere is what the Wife and I use in .38 and .357 revolvers. Very effective IMO. You will be working so you need to travel light so these rounds in a S&W Airweight Is what I carry. I carry 24/7 so I only have the first round up as shot. The rest are HP's.
Executive45
Explorer III
Apr 04, 2014
Gonzo42 wrote:

By the way, rattlesnake is good eating. Most people wouldn't touch it, but I'm not most people.

Tastes like chicken...the "other" white meat....they make great hat bands too...:B:B.....Dennis
past-MIdirector
Explorer
Apr 04, 2014
I used 22 Mag pistol in WV with the father-in-law clearing old family grave yard. Worked good on copperheads that weren't moving real fast but a shovel was best at close range!
donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 04, 2014
There are a couple of pistols available that will handle 45 long colt and 410 shot gun shells. That would be my choice.
iawoody2
Explorer
Apr 04, 2014
Yep, Taurus Judge revolver in .410.
bigred1cav
Explorer
Apr 04, 2014
Raccoons laugh at .22 mag shot. I think one gave me the bird once when I sprayed him with .22 talc. Try Cabelas for .38 ammo
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Apr 04, 2014
.38 snake shot works well on snakes. Takes 2 shots to kill a skunk. Surprised they don't stock them in your area.