What Cartridge?

[thewyllie]

We have just had an explosion of the grey squrrel population in the local woodlands. Now the problem I'm having is that the cartridges I use for pigeon etc don't seem to be knocking the little ******s down. So the question I'm asking is do you good folks out there use different shot for squirrells and also what do you recommend for canada goose? I'm giving up until I can be assured of cleaner kills. Oh and the reason I'm shooting the little grey fellas is that they are pretty much wiping out all my loving planted beech and sweet chestnut trees.

[Dave-H]

Squizzers are a tough little cookie.
I find 32grms of number 5's a little tougher though :rolleyes:

I assume you are using 28 grm 7 or there abouts on pigeon? [I prefer 30gr, 6's]


Canada is NON LEAD SHOT ONLY, minimum you want is 36grms of number 4 or bigger.
HTH

[freelanderPX54]

SSG is good but a little on the heavy side:)

[MPi-KMS-72]

we always used to use 6's or 7's. 6 probably would be better. For eating people often use a .22 but that might not be possible over there? Actually now that I think about it proibably 1/2 of the squirrel hunting here is done with a .22.

some other thoughts on the matter:

http://www.gameandfishmag.com/hunting/rabbits-hares-squirrels-hunting/gf_aa106603a/

http://www.gameandfishmag.com/hunting/rabbits-hares-squirrels-hunting/RA_0905_04/

[Satancom]

.22 is allowed over here. My mate does a litlle with his .22, again mainly squirels.

[MPi-KMS-72]

Excellent! a .22 for squirrels is great fun, challenging and good practice.

the .17 HMR Is getting popular here for similar uses but I can't help thinking that it is an answer in search of a question...

[theoldtrout]

I've done squirrels at close range with a sound moderated air rifle, never tried my .22 on them, I've also shot them with 32g No5, taste OK too - squirrel that is.

As Dave-H says Canada is non lead shot only now.

Angela

[Billy]

If a 5 will take a bolting rabbit,I'm sure it will take a squirel. Prevention is better than a cure! After the "season" we "walk up" the shoot and take all the dreys out. ( Savage and stevens 3" magnum )

[Dave-H]

If a 5 will take a bolting rabbit,I'm sure it will take a squirel. Prevention is better than a cure! After the "season" we "walk up" the shoot and take all the dreys out. ( Savage and stevens 3" magnum )

Likewise, and a couple of terriers helps !

[Keg]

I'll go with the No 5s or my trusty 22 air rifle.

[ferrit]

Blast the drey with 36 gramms of Buffalo BB'S - If they're home you wont need a follow up shot.

[Sanky]

32, 5s should get em. 42,5s for the Canada.
Tel

[Billy]

Bagged a couple with 30g no.6 Express today no problem @ 25/30 yds. Put them in the freezer with the pigeons! Biggest problem was getting their coats off ! I allways let them cool so the fleas jump off. Left it too long today.(Used 28g no.6 1/2 Express on pigeons)

I can't believe the number of big, fat, juicy, pigeons at this time of year. Must be due to the mild Winter.

Happy pie making to all ! Billy.

[Pogmahog]

SSG is good but a little on the heavy side:)


Remington's Premier Copper Solid 1-ounce sabot slugs, work I think.. never did find the squirrel.

[HalfPint]

I would go for the .22 option.

[shaunpalmer]

I use 12 gauge Gamebore 30gram, No6 in my shotgun for everything. I use them to practice on clays so when I shoot the real things I know what I'm doing and I've taken magpies, pigeon, squirrel and rabbit with them - no problem. :)

If you do use a .22lr though - please don't shoot upwards - only shoot them on the ground and remember the backstop. :eek:

We are a bit more densely populated than our American and Australian cousins. :o

[danofnine]

I've never had a problem shooting them with a 12g but yea the bigger the shot the better.

[theoldtrout]

If you do use a .22lr though - please don't shoot upwards - only shoot them on the ground and remember the backstop. :eek:

We are a bit more densely populated than our American and Australian cousins. :o

Well said! If you don't know where the bullet will stop then don't pull the trigger.

Angela