22lr ratshot from a semi auto

catastrophy · 24-01-2015 4:06pm #1

Hi guys,

I have a ruger 10/22 for small game. I am having a particular problem with magpies eating chicken feed from a pen at the moment and wanted to dispatch one or two.

Is .22lr ratshot effective in a semi auto? I understand the rounds limitations but am unsure if it will cycle in the rifle effectively.

Any info or experience appreciated.

deerhunter1 · 24-01-2015 6:14pm

catastrophy wrote: »

Hi guys,

I have a ruger 10/22 for small game. I am having a particular problem with magpies eating chicken feed from a pen at the moment and wanted to dispatch one or two.

Is .22lr ratshot effective in a semi auto? I understand the rounds limitations but am unsure if it will cycle in the rifle effectively.

Any info or experience appreciated.

Dont think they will cycle,you will probably have to fire single shots and cock each time

The Aussie · 24-01-2015 7:32pm

deerhunter1 wrote: »

Dont think they will cycle,you will probably have to fire single shots and cock each time

Your right, the crimped casing expands against the chamer wall and you have to pull the lever back manually to eject the spent shell, they still go bang though.

If it's only Maggies why not just dispatch them with Subs unless you have backstop or ricochet issues.

Nekarsulm · 24-01-2015 8:06pm

The rat-shot I last used had the shot contained in a transparent plastic dome. If you put too many in the tube magazine, more than 4 or 5, the spring was strong enough to crack the plastic as the mechanism cycled. That was back in the days when you could load 15 LR in the tube legally.

minktrapper · 24-01-2015 9:08pm

What is the effective range on rats with .22 bird shot.

Grizzly 45 · 24-01-2015 9:27pm

10 /15 feet if you are lucky.. If you need something better,go for .22 shorts or .22 BB caps.You will be firing single shot mind,but it will have enough ooomph to stop a magpie or crow.The rat shot will proably only injure them.

catastrophy · 24-01-2015 10:57pm

Thanks for the replies lads. I'll be shooting from close range but don't want to damage my garage or risk ricochets.

Single shots aren't a problem but I don't want to compromise the rifle.

minktrapper · 25-01-2015 12:56am

Rat poison?

Nekarsulm · 25-01-2015 1:08am

minktrapper wrote: »

Rat poison?

Nah, Fouls the barrel.

aaakev · 25-01-2015 1:08am

minktrapper wrote: »

Rat poison?

He wants it for birds so cant use poison

clivej · 25-01-2015 12:27pm

I found Rat shot to be very hit and miss.

11 well spread hits on an A4 sheet of paper at 15y. Could easily miss a rat.

cookimonster · 25-01-2015 12:36pm

catastrophy wrote: »

Thanks for the replies lads. I'll be shooting from close range but don't want to damage my garage or risk ricochets.

Single shots aren't a problem but I don't want to compromise the rifle.

I've done some magpie control in close confines using .22 shorts and subs . To eliminate damage and ricochets arrange a good backstop where the birds are causing the most problems and shoot from a concealed spot.

cookimonster · 25-01-2015 12:45pm

clivej wrote: »

I found Rat shot to be very hit and miss.

11 well spread hits on an A4 sheet of paper at 15y. Could easily miss a rat.

Great for knocking down cabbage white butterflies over the vegetable plot........pest control on a different level.

recipio · 25-01-2015 1:39pm

Rats are tough bu##ers. No way will rat shot work against them. Use .22 shorts or even better, an air rifle.

The Aussie · 25-01-2015 2:13pm

recipio wrote: »

Rats are tough bu##ers. No way will rat shot work against them. Use .22 shorts or even better, an air rifle.

They do work, my shooting was at 5-7m, they do complain a bit but still expire quick enough...

OP, forgot to mention, make sure to wear eye protection.

minktrapper · 25-01-2015 8:25pm

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Nah, Fouls the barrel.

Excellent

Snakezilla · 25-01-2015 9:35pm

I use the federal rat shot and its useless past 10 yards in my opinion. I only use t for point blank dispatch n live catch traps. It wont cycle in a semi auto so you will have to cycle manually. Id advise using CB Longs over .22 shorts even.. I find .22 shorts very inaccurate past 15 yards but that could just be in my rifle.. Ive been using CCI CB Longs the past while around the yard and theyre sub inch out to 35- 40 yards !

Zxthinger · 31-01-2015 5:18am

Nekarsulm wrote: »

The rat-shot I last used had the shot contained in a transparent plastic dome. If you put too many in the tube magazine, more than 4 or 5, the spring was strong enough to crack the plastic as the mechanism cycled. That was back in the days when you could load 15 LR in the tube legally.

Dont suppose this stuff is still available? Or where and when did ye get it.

Grizzly 45 · 31-01-2015 7:09pm

Federal and CCI used to make it,or still do.

dodderangler · 04-02-2015 1:36pm

34g 6 done a job on rat last week at 39 yards

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22lr ratshot from a semi auto

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