My limited experience is that shorter barrels, like on your Chief's Special pattern better than longer barrels. My theory is that there is less rifling to spin the shot capsule, thus not disturbing the pattern as much as a longer barrel. I have no proof and very limited testing, so take that with a grain of salt. I tend to not use shot loads in my pistols and usually have no trouble planting a bullet in the right place. This rattlesnake challenged the right of way on a narrow trail and caught a 10mm 200 gr. XTP at 1250 fps for his aggressive nature. My 10mm is my favorite hiking gun in bear and hog country, and as it turns out works quite well on mean azz snakes too.
Cottonmouth... This hefty moccasin wasn't posing a threat, so he got a pass. Plus, the rocky backstop may have been a ricochet hazard.
Copperheads should not lay on trails where they pose a threat to people, kids, and pets. Out in the sticks, they may get a pass, but not where the grandkids could get bit. If I remember correctly, a 9mm 124 gr. +P solved that issue.
