How to carry shot?

[Nathan Ripley]

I have been looking at the flasks and the snakes. What are the pros and cons of either. Should I just make a bag with a stopper and use my powder measure?

 

[taylorh]

The best way that I have found is to premeasure out your shot loads and wrap them in paper dubbies and tied at each end. Just tear them and drop them down the shoot with an overshot card to follow.
Regards,
Taylor in Texas

 

[ffffg]

"Should I just make a bag with a stopper and use my powder measure?" Yes, I dont care for snakes, and auto measure devices... A good pattern needs to have closely measured amounts of powder and shot... My opinion only... dave

 

[CZMark]

For hunting, I've used a snake for years and wouldn't leave home without it. It's convenient, carries all the shot I need, and is quick to use for loading.

 

[Dave K]

Probably no perfect way for everyone. I tried the individual paper wrapped shot cartridges and they can become a mess, at least for me. I have tried the snake and for me it seemed to be in the way, for me. I prefer the shot pouch like an original American Flask and set the premeasure I like. Many of them only come in two measures 1 1/4oz and 1 1/2oz. So, I go to a hobby shop and get some brass tubing that is a snug fit inside the spout. This I will cut to sleave, fit between the two loading gates to get the exact measure of shot I want. Depending on the gun I am using it will be either 1oz. or 7/8oz. of shot. I carry about 3 lbs. of shot this way in my pocket, which is about 48 shots. This is an English style head, but some would use nothing but an Irish head. Try something to see what you like and it may be different than any of these.

 

[Iron Jim Rackham]

I like pre-loaded cartridges. Shot fit's in one side, powder fit's in the other. Wear them in your hunting vest like shotgun shells. Carry your cards in a plastic bag. They are simple, convienient and quick, and you can wear 12-14 in a vest. Don't have to carry a lot of weight, and don't need to measure anything.

 

[Christiaan]

I tried the plastic containers in the beginning :redface: :redface: It worked but I did not like the plastic. Tried the paper wrapped and it did not work for me. :shake: Maybe I did something wrong. They teared and it got lots of pellets in my bag. I used a Pedersoli bag that the head fell off on the field and the pellets fell in the grass :cursing: Never used it again after that. Then went to the leather shot flask. The leather shot flask worked but I thought there must be a better way than to scratch in the bag of the flask every time. Then I saw this bag on the net by a guy named Gary from the US. Just got it and really REALLY like it. :thumbsup: I think I got my answer for my needs.

 

[fw707]

I've got the shot snake like the one attatched to Christiaan's pouch strap, but no pouch.
Works great for me.

 

[Runner]

I tried many ways until I got my snake. No comparison. Push the button, squeeze the release, and dump measured amount of shot down the barrel. Three different amounts to choose. All the shot needed for any day hunting trip so far. If you are shooting a lot, it is easy to refill also.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

For hunting I use both a shot and powder snake, works great for me.

 

[hhughh]

I tried another post about these a while back, but never got a response. Can anyone comment as to the authenticity/primary sources for the shot snakes, shot pouches,the reasons for the "Irish" and "English" measures, time periods, etc.?

Not trying to highjack----if you'd like to send me just a pm, feel free. And thanks.

Hugh