Is .22mag snake shot enough for moccasins?

[IDman]

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!

[RoyB]

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

[TucsonJim]

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.