Bird shot in a .22 rifle

[bluemike807]

If I use bird shot .22lr cartridges, will I risk ruining my rifling? Are there any special considerations when using them?

Im going after grouse and rabbit - normally I wouldnt have considered using birdshot except a friend swears by them. Any thoughts?

 

[Kodiak Outpost]

I think you'll find you're better off with regular bullets. I don't think the pellets will be effective on a rabbit at any range more than a few meters.

 

[gallen270]

you'll be swearing at them. they are good for barnrats at close range, you'll have to be awful close to kill a grouse or a rabbit with them.

 

[B]

As was said, it's not going to take down anything outside of 20'. Even inside that distance it's pretty questionable.

 

[bluemike807]

Fair enough, thanks -saves me the trouble of wasting my money on them.

 

[CZ_Brno]

Yeah they're not that good. As it is a .410 is barely adequate for grouse and rabbit so you can just image what a .22 shell capsule would be like.

 

[cyclone]

Without a smooth-bore, .22 birdshot will produce awkward "patterns"....

 

[drslav]

useless. except shooting mice and small rats at 5 feet. dont waste your money