Size shot for squirrels

[Tin sandwich]

What would be some good shot to load my .38 kentucky pistol with . Im after squirrel short range . I want a pattern in a 20 yard range without obliterating the tree rat .

 

[ADK Bigfoot]

If your pistol is rifled, I would not expect you to get any usable pattern at 20 yards. The centrifugal force of the rifling will spin your shot outward, leaving a donut ring in the middle. You will need to experiment, but shot size is the least of your concerns. In a smoothbore, I would use 4s or 6s for "whompability" on tough skinned squirrels.

ADK Bigfoot

 

[Sam squanch]

Don’t waste your time or powder. I’ve tried this with a smoothbore pistol, by the time you get enough powder in it to be deadly, it’s charged enough to blow out of your hands. Just use a long gun if you have one.

 

[Tin sandwich]

Its a smoothbore ..... i live in a wooded subdivision and these dang squirrels are everywhere . Not to keen on shooting my .32 crockett around here . I thought maybe my pistol would suffice without maiming someone .

 

[Tim_IA]

Here's my 40 smoothie. 10 yards is reaching out there! Fun for target, but I am not sure I would hunt with it...

Drawn up some targets

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

#4

 

[Sam squanch]

If you are in a subdivision, I suggest you get a high powered pellet rifle. Get close with a head shot. 22 caliber is best. Or a .25 if you find one.

 

[Banjoman]

I second #4.

 

[Tin sandwich]

Like yhe holster tim .... subdivision is 1 and two acre lots . Heavily wooded .have a pellet rifle in .177 . Ill try #4 shot as suggested . Im going huntin . These things will run right up to you dang near !

 

[SDSmlf]

What would be some good shot to load my .38 kentucky pistol with . Im after squirrel short range . I want a pattern in a 20 yard range without obliterating the tree rat .

I would start with #6 and work up in size and powder charge until you get the pattern you want. Honesty believe being 38 caliber is going to make it a challenge. Had a so called ‘bear pistol’ years ago in 56 caliber (rebored 54) with a longer barrel, and with #4 or #5 shot was quite the performer.

 

[M. De Land]

What would be some good shot to load my .38 kentucky pistol with . Im after squirrel short range . I want a pattern in a 20 yard range without obliterating the tree rat .

I've had good success with #7 shot in a Speer shot cup out of my 44 mag shooting spruce hens but squirrels are a good bit tougher so I think I might even go down to #4s for penetration although your shot count would be significantly reduced.
Most likely though I would just try and bean them with a full load Kieth slug.

 

[Cliffdweller]

If your pistol is rifled, I would not expect you to get any usable pattern at 20 yards. The centrifugal force of the rifling will spin your shot outward, leaving a donut ring in the middle. You will need to experiment, but shot size is the least of your concerns. In a smoothbore, I would use 4s or 6s for "whompability" on tough skinned squirrels.

ADK Bigfoot

I agree and load all my smoothbores with #4

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

With muzzleloaders , either balls or shot, it's mass that kills , not speed.

 

[CZMark]

I concur with those who said #4, #6 doesn't provide enough penetration for squirrels. They are small, but very tough animals.

 

[nhmoose]

I use copper plated 5's

 

[Rifleman1776]

Contrarian here. I have found # 7 1/2 to be a nearly all-around useful shot size.

 

[PathfinderNC]

I used 7.5’s when it’s all I had. Killed a few that day, no problem.

 

[Tin sandwich]

I appreciate it men .... this subject had been on my mind awhile . I didnt realize it was mass vs speed as commented by mr numb . Anyway ive been given a starting point . Im hoping my next question is for squirrel recipes .

 

[BruceHuxford]

As to shot size, I never use anything smaller than 6s, as for a air rifle I have a .177 that will do the job out to 15 to 20 yards easy.