Squirrell loads!

[TGEvans]

Hi guys. Anybody out there using shotguns for squirrell shooting? Usually use an air rifle for them but was thinking of using my shotgun with light load 12 bore cartridges. Main reason for the shotgun is it would save me taking two guns out, plus with the shotgun I would have more chance when they get spooked,plus moving pigeons would come down also, but meat damage is usually pretty bad with normal loads at close range with the squirrels, hoping 21's or 24's would be better? Any info would be great,thanks, Tim.

 

[Buckshot]

Whenever I go squirreling I use a shotgun
I find trying to poke dreys with a long stick just too much faff, slow and hard work
A few bangs into the drey to remove it from the tree (so you can tell when they come back into the area) will often spook the tree rats into movement so you can then take them out. I usually have 4 or 5 of us so there's always someone loaded.

The loads I tend to use are standard ones. Often 30 or 32gram 5's or 6's. Much less than that can't get into the dreys

Best of luck

Mark

 

[mrmike]

Always used 30g 5s myself. You could use 4s, less pellets to damage the meat.

 

[Hoodoo]

Always used 30g 5s myself. You could use 4s, less pellets to damage the meat.

I agree. I use #4's and high brass to reach up to the tops of the trees.

 

[cbrdave]

Always used an air rifle, never considered a shotgun as i prefer the stalk and less damage to the trees.

 

[British Red]

You need a squirrel gun in your pocket


Belgian Folding .410 by British Red, on Flickr

(any excuse for a new gun is a good excuse)

 

[TGEvans]

I saw that in your other post. Have been toying with the idea for a while. Might just bite the cartridge so to speak and get one. A shop local to me has a few in. He has a nice looking BSA .410. What sort of range have you been hitting rabbits/woodies/squirrels? Thanks for the other info too guys, Tim.

 

[British Red]

I keep it inside 25 - 30 yards as a rule. Does a good job in that range - devastating on Woodies in trees - drop like a stone. You should pick one up for £50 or so privately. More in a shop but not more than £100.

I feed mine Eley fourlongs in No. 6 - seems to be fine on small game and birds.

 

[santaman2000]

As a kid we were always taught to use #6 shot on sqirrels and rabbits and #8 or #9 shot for birds (quail and doves) but in my teens I switched to #7 1/2 shot for just about all upland game. Never had any real meat damage with any of them. At least not enough to worry about.

 

[ratcatcher]

A few bangs into the drey to remove it from the tree

Mark

hope you make sure no non target species are in it first, using as a roost area, little owl's etc