The Truth About Snake Loads: Are They Worth Carrying During Summer Hikes?

Summer hikes can bring you closer to snakes. Tall grass, warm rocks, and shaded brush make ideal hiding spots for rattlers and other venomous species. When temperatures rise, so do your chances of stepping too close. Some hikers carry snake loads for these encounters, but not all ammo works as advertised.

This guide explains how snake loads function, when they are suitable for carrying, and which myths don’t hold up in the field.

How Snake Loads Work at Close Range

Snake loads are cartridges filled with small shot pellets instead of a solid projectile. When fired, the shell produces a tight spread of pellets that expands quickly. This spread pattern increases the chance of hitting a moving snake at short distances. Most common calibers include .22 LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .45 Colt, 9mm, and .44 Special.

Snake loads work best within 6 to 8 feet of the target. Beyond that, pattern gaps and pellet drop can reduce their effectiveness. Unlike traditional rounds, shot shells lose energy rapidly and can struggle to stop a threat at longer distances.

When to Carry Snake Loads in the Field

Snake loads are useful in specific settings:

• You hike in desert or grassland regions with known snake populations
• You walk through cattle ranges or wooded trails with dense ground cover
• You want a close-range option that limits overpenetration near the ground

If you’ve spotted snakes on past hikes or spend time near cabins and rivers, a shot shell may offer safer control than a standard round. However, it’s not a substitute for caution or good trail habits. Avoid stepping over logs without checking first. Also, watch where you place your hands and feet when climbing or sitting on rocks.

Best Platforms for Reliability

Snake loads work more reliably in revolvers than in semi-automatics. Low recoil and reduced backpressure often cause feeding failures in semi-autos. Revolvers cycle shot shells consistently, making them the better tool for this job.

Good pairings include:

• .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolvers with CCI pest control loads
• .45 Colt shot shells for wider spread and more pellet weight
• Short-barrel models with adjustable sights or high-visibility front blades

9mm and .45 ACP shot shells may work in some semi-autos but always test for cycling issues before relying on them.

CCI Ammunition lists gel results and pattern data for their shotshell lineup.

Myths About Snake Loads That Don’t Hold Up

Several common beliefs about snake loads continue to circulate, but they don’t match real-world testing:

• “They reach across a creek.”
  Not true. Most patterns break down beyond 10 feet. Pellets lose both speed and accuracy quickly.
• “They stop large threats as well as regular rounds.”
  False. These rounds are designed for small animals. They don’t penetrate deeply enough to stop larger threats or people.
• “They can damage barrels after repeated use.”
  Partially true. Residue builds up, especially in short barrels. Clean thoroughly after each use to maintain accuracy and reliability.

Always evaluate snake loads by range testing. Understand their limits before counting on them in the field.

What to Pair with Snake Loads on the Trail

Many revolver carriers load one or two chambers with snake shots and keep standard rounds in the remaining chambers. This method offers flexibility, similar to snake control, for the initial threat and traditional defense if needed later.

Consider carrying:

• A flashlight for brush visibility in low light
• A walking stick to scan ahead on narrow trails
• A tourniquet or pressure wrap in case of a bite

These additions improve your overall preparedness and reduce your reliance on ammo alone.

The Case for Carrying Snake Loads on Summer Hikes

Snake loads serve a focused purpose. When used correctly, they provide an effective response to sudden encounters at your feet. Snake loads work well for revolvers at short distances and in environments where snakes live. However, they don’t solve every backcountry problem, and they can’t replace awareness or layered readiness.

If you hike in areas prone to snakes, test a few loads in your carry gun. Practice at field distances. Know how your firearm patterns and where the shot begins to fall apart. Snake loads are a tool and not a guarantee.

Used them yourself? Let us know what gear, load, or environment worked best. Your feedback might help another hiker choose the right setup this summer.

FAQs

Do snake loads work well against rattlesnakes?
Yes—at close range. Most are effective within 6 to 8 feet if your aim and pattern hold.

Can I use snake loads in a semi-automatic pistol?
Sometimes, but reliability issues are common. Revolvers offer more consistent results with shot shells.

Do snake loads damage the barrel?
They can leave residue from plastic wads or lead shot. Clean your barrel after each use to avoid buildup.

Should I use snake loads for self-defense?
No. These rounds are built for small animals and don’t penetrate deeply enough for self-defense use.