'Snake Loads' - Duplex & Others:

A 1911 tale from a 2011 Shooting Illustrated story (March 31) indicates a need for shot loads for handgun cartridges when in snake country..
"The only thing I could brag about after my first gun battle with a snake was that the timber rattler I eventually killed was almost as long as me. After a magazine full of hardball from a 1911, it was wounded and I was deaf. When the snake coiled up under a laurel bush, I fetched a .22-caliber rifle and finished the job. Lesson learned: It's hard to hit a moving target the size of a water hose."

I'd say that so called 'snake loads' can join 'duplex loads' as effective & versatile variations of handgun cartridges. - Further more - the home hand-loader will have fun dreaming-up combinations that may raise many a surprised smile on the range when shared with mates.

The first observation to note - especially by 'mericans' - is that there are in fact NO SNAKES in New Zealand - not even in the zoos... Our democratic government won't permit it 😁. - But while mentioning politicians - it is true that we do have here rats, possums, rabbits, ferrets & 'white-tail spiders' etc. -  multiple other undesirables that also stowed-away with the decent folk on arriving ships.

A 327 Fed. Magnum Shot + Slug Combo Load.

60gns of Shot + 60gns Bullet & Card Wad Over The Powder.

The Makings.

You don't need a flash / expensive re-loading set-up to make interesting rounds .. in fact the cheapest most simple press and die set is the best way for a cautious shooter to experiment with variations - but you must know what you are doing and first be confident with "normal" reloading techniques.

You could use a fired brass case as a punch to cut cardboard wads .. drill-through the primer recess for a push-out hole.

My 327 Fed. Magnum Duplex Load 

- 72 grain Plated Bullet plus 48 Grain Lead Ball

Over 'Trailboss' Powder.- Works Brilliantly.

REPEAT - You must know what you are doing and cautiously work up towards full power from gentle starting loads when experimenting .. and refer to the Loading Manuals for the propellant you are using.

Stupid folk have blown-up their guns .. *kaboom*

Speer Shot Capsules are an alternative way to build duplex & triplex loads or 'combination 'buck'n'ball' loads' - as well as their intended shot shell use. - They are available for hand-loaders in .357" and .44"? calibers.

Marty K.