Check your pistol loads

[pgrass101]

Last Saturday I explored some property that I am thinking of buying. Part of the area has a seep on it and is very overgrown. This was an area I looked at carefully for its potential as a future pond site. Because of its nature I replaced the first 2 rounds in my Ruger Speed Six with .38spl shot shells to dispatch Water Moccasins that I might walk up on.

Last night as I am putting my EDC in the pistol safe I see two loose 158gr Hydro-Shocks lying in the bottom of the safe. I pull out my Speed Six and the shot shells are still loaded in the cylinder.

The Ruger is my main HD pistol and its what I grab when something goes bump during the night. I would have been seriously disadvantaged if I had to use it and the first 2 shots that I fired were just #9 shot and not a full .357gr. hollowpoint.

I should have replaced the shotshells with my normal load when I got back in my car. The fact that there was a thunderstorm and that I was in a hurry should not have prevented me from doing this. I hope my lapse in judgment will make some of you remember to check your ammo if you ever switch loads for some reason.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[joker1]

Thank you. I've never felt the need to switch up my loads but if it ever comes up I hope to remember this.

[GH]

Lessons learned. Thanks for the reminder, pgrass101.

[WHEC724]

Given my affinity for buying/selling land, I also used to load two shot shells as well in my 637 for walking about.

More than once, I've left those shells in there, as well as thought about what if the first thing that I needed to shoot wasn't a snake?

I decided to confirm confidence in consistently hitting a ~1" group withing 15', and now just keep it stoked with 158gr lswc.

[Mike1956]

Hollow points don't work on snakes?

[GH]

I'm not a snake but I still wouldn't want to get shot by a snake load, lol.

[pgrass101]

Hollow points don't work on snakes?

yeah, I know.......

[dV8r]

Hollow points don't work on snakes?

I was going to say, "practice more and you won't need the shot shells" but I won't. :)

[OldVet]

It always amazes me how people get so concerned about shooting a snake. In the time you can draw and fire, you could have easily stepped out of striking range, especially after returning to earth. Besides, the snake was there first and has no duty to retreat.

[Adrenaline]

Besides, the snake was there first and has no duty to retreat.

[SmokinFool]

I don't switch out my loads, but this is a good reminder, in the case that I ever do.

[Mike1956]

It always amazes me how people get so concerned about shooting a snake. In the time you can draw and fire, you could have easily stepped out of striking range, especially after returning to earth. Besides, the snake was there first and has no duty to retreat.

Some people simply don't care for snakes. Personally, I like having them around to keep the rodent population down. We have a stack of ribbon snakes on the property, and I try to be mindful of them when I mow and trim.

[Once]

Thanks for the tip

[WHEC724]

Some people simply don't care for snakes. Personally, I like having them around to keep the rodent population down. We have a stack of ribbon snakes on the property, and I try to be mindful of them when I mow and trim.

Yup. Black snakes & rat snakes get a 'pass' from me. Copperheads, 'Rattlers & Moccasins, not so much.

[BigJon10125]

Regardless of the reason, it is good advice! This has the potential to happen at the range probably more often so just be mindful, sound advice.