Model 24 22lr/410 3"

[BIG MIKE]

I don't know if this is the right place to ask but, what's a good load for the 410 for squirrels and what's the furthest effective range for that load? :-\

[threepdr]

I've killed many squirrels and a few birds with my Model 24 when I was a kid. I never paced it off, but I suspect I killed them out to at least 40 yards with the 410. Most were closer. Keep in mind a 3 inch 410 will throw shot just about as far as a 12 guage, just with much fewer pellets!

[BIG MIKE]

Yes, You're right. A pellet don't know what ga. gun it's shot from if they're going the same speed but a 410 3" is pretty slow compared to a 12 ga. high brass by 200 fps. What shot size was the most effective for you? I don't plan on shooting past 25 yd.I have 7 1/2's in 3/4 oz. now. Thanks for your reply ;D

[scratcherky]

When I am after squirrels with a 410 I always use # 6 shot.

[Eric in NC]

Yes I would use 6's or even 4's for tree rats and I think about 25 yards or so is max for the 410. Just not enough pellets to be sure of anchoring them after that and you could very well end up with a wounded squirrel on the ground (hard to find).

[BIG MIKE]

Thanks guys, I was considering 5's as a compromise.No rhyme intended. I patterned 2 1/2" reloads with hard 5's and it would be good for rabbits because they are bigger than a squirrel.The hard 7 1/2's I load in 2 1/2" pattern nice but I don't know about their effectiveness on squirrels. In 12 Ga. I use a minimum of 1 1/4 oz.of 6's,but 1 3/8 oz of 4's are the best with full choke. I want to try different loads and shot sizes in 3" 410 though. I found some good loads in a variety of manuals I have and am searching for some Fed or Rem. hulls.I know to some it's heresy to shoot a squirrel with a shotgun but if I do I want to dispatch it cleanly.

[Axtell3]

I shot a lot with 6 shot 3". the 2.5's don't have as many pellets...

[Eric in NC]

5's are great if you are a handloader - didn't know that (not many folks load for the 410).

I used to hunt fox squirrels in LA all the time with a shotgun - not heresy there with those big guys and trees that still have leaves on them! Up here in NC the grey squirrels are smaller and the trees don't have leaves on them (mostly) - easier to use a 22.

[BIG MIKE]

Well, I shot a lot of Sporting Clays and Skeet with the sub gauges with my Browning 20 Ga. 325 w/subgauge tubes by Briley and I had to load them all or go broke. My MEC will load 2 1/2" and 3". I like to experiment also and I want to know what I can expect in performance. Thanks Guys. ;D