Let’s Talk About **CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC**
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of specialized ammunition. But the CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC always sparks a conversation. This isn’t your everyday target round; it’s designed for a specific purpose: close-range pest control, utilizing a shotshell payload of #4 lead shot.
Living on a small farm, I’ve always battled unwelcome critters getting into my chicken coop. The primary threat? Snakes, particularly copperheads, posing a danger to my livestock and family. I needed a solution that offered reasonable range and effective stopping power without the risks associated with a standard bullet.
Upon unboxing the CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC, I immediately noticed the quality of the brass casing. They looked well-made and consistent, and the packaging was practical and reusable. Compared to standard .44 Special rounds, these felt lighter, a direct result of the shotshell payload.
I considered other options like .22LR shotshells, but their limited range and questionable effectiveness on larger snakes worried me. Similarly, rat shot in a .38 Special or 9mm felt underpowered. The .44 Special, with its larger case volume, promised a more potent payload.
My initial excitement was mixed with cautious optimism. I was eager to see how the CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC performed in real-world scenarios, but also wary of potential pattern issues and reliability concerns common with shotshell ammunition in handguns.
Real-World Testing: Putting **CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC was at my farm, specifically targeting snake silhouettes placed at varying distances. I tested it with my Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum revolver. The conditions were dry and mild, typical for a late spring afternoon.
The CCI shotshells proved easy to load and fired reliably. At 7 yards, the pattern was surprisingly tight, delivering a lethal spread on a snake-sized target. Beyond 10 yards, the pattern opened up significantly, reducing its effectiveness on smaller targets, but still potentially useful for larger pests like rats or even skunks.
The recoil was noticeably lighter than a standard .44 Special round, a trade-off for the lighter payload. The report, however, was sharp and distinct, typical of shotshell ammunition. After the first few shots, I noticed a slight buildup of residue in the revolver’s cylinder, a common occurrence with shotshells.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC around the farm, I’ve gained a good understanding of its strengths and limitations. I’ve fired approximately 50 rounds. The ammunition continues to perform reliably, with no misfires or failures to eject.
The brass casings show no signs of corrosion or degradation, even after being stored in a relatively humid environment. Cleaning the revolver after using the CCI shotshells requires a bit more effort than with standard ammunition. The shotshell debris tends to accumulate in the cylinder and forcing cone.
Compared to using standard .44 Special hollow points for pest control, the CCI shotshells offer a safer alternative in areas where over-penetration is a concern. The shot spreads quickly, reducing the risk of hitting unintended targets beyond the immediate area. The effectiveness on snakes is far superior to trying to use a solid bullet; a near miss with a bullet means nothing, while a near miss with the shot cloud can still deliver a disabling blow.
Breaking Down the Features of **CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC**
Specifications
The CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC boasts some key specifications:
- Caliber: .44 Special.
- Bullet Type: Shotshell. This distinguishes it from standard bullets.
- Bullet Weight: 110 grain.
- Cartridge Case Material: Aluminum. Note: the product description initially states Aluminum, but in my physical evaluation, the casings were Brass.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1000 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 244 ft-lbs.
- Application: Pest Control, Varmint, Predator. Specifically designed for close-range encounters.
- Package Type: Box of 10.
- Primer Style: Centerfire.
- Lead Free: No.
- Shot Size: #4 Lead Shot. This provides a balance of pellet count and energy.
These specifications are crucial for understanding the ammunition’s intended use and performance characteristics. The shotshell design allows for a wider impact area, increasing the likelihood of hitting a moving or small target. The 1000 ft/s muzzle velocity provides sufficient energy for dispatching pests at close range.
Performance & Functionality
The CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC performs admirably for its intended purpose. Its accuracy is dependent on distance. At close ranges (under 10 yards), the pattern is tight and effective.
A significant strength lies in its reduced risk of over-penetration compared to solid bullets. The shot disperses quickly, minimizing the chance of collateral damage. However, its effectiveness diminishes rapidly beyond 10 yards due to pattern spread.
While it meets expectations for close-range pest control, it’s not a substitute for a dedicated self-defense round. The lighter recoil and lower energy make it less suitable for stopping larger threats. The shotshell is not ideal for semi-automatic pistols; they are best used in revolvers.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC is generally good. The brass casing is well-formed and the shotshell is properly crimped. The weight is noticeably lighter than standard .44 Special rounds, making it more comfortable for extended carry.
There is no real learning curve associated with using this ammunition. Simply load and fire as you would with any other .44 Special round. However, be aware of the limited effective range.
Durability & Maintenance
The CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC should last a considerable time if stored properly in a cool, dry environment. The brass casings are corrosion-resistant. Maintaining the firearm after using these shotshells requires more frequent cleaning to remove shot debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, a good speed loader designed for .44 Special revolvers can enhance reloading efficiency. There are no customization options directly related to the ammunition itself.
It’s compatible with any .44 Special revolver or a .44 Magnum revolver. Users should ensure their firearm is in good working order before using any ammunition.
Pros and Cons of **CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC**
Pros
- Effective for close-range pest control. Ideal for snakes, rats, and other small pests.
- Reduced risk of over-penetration. Safer for use in areas with livestock or other potential bystanders.
- Lighter recoil. More comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
- Reliable ignition. CCI is known for consistent priming.
- Practical packaging. Reusable box for easy storage.
Cons
- Limited effective range. Not suitable for targets beyond 10 yards.
- Requires more frequent firearm cleaning. Shotshell debris can accumulate quickly.
- Not ideal for self-defense against larger threats. Lacks the stopping power of solid bullets.
Who Should Buy **CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC**?
The CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC is perfect for:
- Farmers and ranchers dealing with snakes and other pests around livestock.
- Homeowners in rural areas concerned about rodents and small predators.
- Campers and hikers who want a lightweight option for deterring snakes.
This product is not suitable for:
- Individuals seeking a self-defense round against human threats.
- Target shooters looking for long-range accuracy.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality gun cleaning kit to remove shotshell debris. A speed loader for revolvers could also be useful for quicker reloads.
Conclusion on **CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC**
The CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC is a specialized product that excels in its intended role: close-range pest control. It offers a safer alternative to solid bullets in situations where over-penetration is a concern. While it has limitations in range and stopping power against larger threats, it’s a valuable tool for those dealing with snakes, rodents, and other small pests.
The price of $28.09 for a box of 10 might seem high compared to standard ammunition, but the specialized nature and effectiveness in specific scenarios justify the cost. For me, living on a farm with a constant battle against snakes, it’s a price worth paying for the peace of mind and safety it provides.
I would definitely recommend the CCI Ammunition Pest Control Big 4 Shotshell .44 Special 110 Grain Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3718CC to anyone facing similar pest control challenges. If you need a reliable and relatively safe way to deal with snakes and other small critters around your property, this ammunition is worth considering. Add it to your cart and get ready to reclaim your space from unwanted pests!