22lr ratshot from a semi auto

catastrophy

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

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

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

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

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

Grizzly 45

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

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

Rat poison?

Nekarsulm

minktrapper wrote: »

Rat poison?

Nah, Fouls the barrel.

aaakev

minktrapper wrote: »

Rat poison?

He wants it for birds so cant use poison

clivej

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

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

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

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

The Aussie

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

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Nah, Fouls the barrel.

Excellent

Snakezilla

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

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

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

dodderangler

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