If I were hunting squirrels (gray and fox) with a .410 bore shotgun...?

Question

What type of shotshells would you advise that I use? I am hunting the squirrels for the table, though I do take their hides/tails as well. That is a secondary concern, though.
I concentrate on headshots and I am a relatively good shot with open sights.

What do you think works "best"?
Does it matter so much with the small .410?

I have 3 partial boxes of shells now:
7 1/2 shot 3 inchers,
6 shot 2 1/2 inchers,
and 4 shot 3 inchers.
You may also advise different size/shot combinations if you like any more than those three types.

I am using a .410 because I am still somewhat sensitive to recoil, and out of the guns I have access to, it is the 'next most friendly' one to my shoulder.

The gun is a pump-action Mossberg 500 with a built-in full choke, and it will shoot either size shell that I am referring to.

Later on in the season I will be using .22 LR rifles to hunt them, but I'm already well and good with shooting those.

Thanks.

I am not using a .22 until later in the season because of where I am. All the leaves are still on, making the woods dark, and the brush is still very high. We haven't had much frost or any snow yet, though we should get some very soon that will allow me to switch. However, I want to hunt before that happens, and the .410 increases the chance of success in that environment.

I already know about the basics of shotshells, i.e. the smaller the shot size, the more pellets there are in the shell. Just 'cuz I'm a chick doesn't mean I don't understand such things. My father has had success with even the 4 shot, hitting them hard in the head but little elsewhere. I'm trying to balance the possibilities of not making a good headshot with the 4 (and destroying good meat) with the possibilities of wounding an animal with little, insignificant shot (with the 7 1/2). That's why I have the 6.

I also heard that 2 1/2 seems to work better for some reason, but found no good reason why.

Being hateful is just illogical this time, as my question is a reasonable one and is decent in spelling and grammar as far as I know.

I am asking this because I wish to be as ethical as I can to the animals. Believe me, I do not like taking the life of anything. Because of numerous factors, including the loss of the ability to sustain our farm, my family deeply values the ability to hunt and fish. I see nothing "stupid" about that, especially in a country that produces less food than it imports. If you don't hunt and can't provide a good, relevant answer, don't bother posting here. This is a place for questions to be answered, not a debate forum. Thanks.

There's no danger of me shooting myself in anything as it is; sorry to disappoint.

Answer 1

I used to use #6 a lot, but would ruin a lot of meat because of the amount of shot in the squirrel. I use #4 or #5 with any of my shotguns now, usually a .410 side-by-side my Grandfather gave me or a 20 ga. single shot that was the first gun he bought with his own money back in 1928. If most of your shots are close, I'd say stick with the larger shot with the full choke. You'll spoil less meat that way.
Most of the time now I use my T/C Contender 10" .22 pistol with a 2x scope and wait for a good shot, which occasionally takes some time with most of the leaves still on the trees.
I've enjoyed squirrel hunting for 30+ years now and it's a good way to spend time in the woods to see where the deer have been moving for deer season too.
Good luck hunting and don't worry about the comments from the anti-hunters/gunners. Some people don't get it and never will.
I'm happy I was raised to be a hunter, fisherman, and camper.

Answer 2

A 410 and a 20 gauge both send lead bb's at the same speed and the same distance and therefore have the same killing power. The only difference between any shot gun gauge is the number of bb's that are sent down range per shot. If you're aim is true, a 410 is as effective at EVERYTHING as a 12 gauge. That being said, yes the 410 kicks less. My brother had health issues and could no longer handle the kick of a 20 gauge when he was young so he got a 410 single shot. He took down geese on a regular basis with no problem just to give you an idea. What makes a 20 gauge kick harder than a 12 gauge is the action of the gun. A semi-auto 12 gauge uses the recoil of the shot to cycle the action where as a single shot 20 gauge transfers all of the kick right to your shoulder. Add in the fact that virtually all 12 gauges have a recoil pad and many youth 20 gauges don't and you can see how people could perceive the 12 gauge recoil as being less. Bottom line is that a 410 is a great starter shotgun and so is a 20 gauge. For that matter so is a 28 gauge assuming you don't want to shoot slugs. Unless you're shooting trap I suspect that the recoil of any of those won't be too much. Also, if you're just hunting rabbits and squirrels... maybe a 22?

Answer 3

Since you already have 3" #4 shot, thats what i'd advise. If you decide to by shells for the .410 just for hunting, i would suggest federal 3" # 5 shot as the best all around.Good luck, and have fun. :)

Answer 4

I prefer 5 or 6 shot in 3 inch. It will reach the top of the trees better,I like 22 STINGERS for my rifles.

Answer 5

7 1/2 Shot is the smallest diameter,but with more pellets per shell- I would stick with the .22

Answer 6

Some people are just sooo simple minded! I use a .22 all year long and I live in PA were there's a lot of brush. Try a scope, with it you might have better luck. I like to know how do you preserve the tail? Since you mention you do that stuff. Just go under my pro and mail me the answer. Thanks.

Answer 7

I always use a .22 ranch rifle. I have seen people use .410s, but unless your really hungry, use the .22. It's more fun

Answer 8

i use a 10 guage with 00 buck shot.the only thing is i cant eat them after i shoot them,only fur left.................no but seriously i use 410 also.i use 3"#5 to shoot squirrels.i also use a 22mag,just in case i see the dreaded coyote out running around,or groundhog.........i like to keep my options open

Answer 9

# 6 shot works well for me

Answer 10

im feeling squirrely