Unless you're loaded with snakeshot, it would be pretty hard to dispatch that beast with JHP or ball ammo with just one or two shots.
That's why I carry .45 snakeshot. When using it, I often have 3-4 snakeshot (depending on whether I'm using a 7- or 8-rounder) in a mag with FMJ behind it (or vise versa). Sometimes the snakeshot is first, sometimes I have a round of FMJ first. It all works the same (I've tested to my satisfaction) from the shooter's perspective, so I can just starting shooting if need be. Sometimes I just carry a mag of snake shot in a special leather mag holder which I only use for that ammo, although that seems significantly less useful.
I also wear boots with 10" shafts. That's a good deal of protection against bites in the brush.
I have a snake, so I have no phobia of them. I understand their behavior and basic desires. I would never shoot a rattler or a copperhead just because I happened across it.
However, it is
possible to encounter a poisonous snake such that neither party feels able to escape (imagine scenarios so I don't have to, or watch
True Grit ).
Also, while a snake strike is much faster than I'll ever be, I've seen my snake (non-posionous though she is) momentarily confused by a strike on something which was not what she expected it to be. It is possible my boot might create such a result, although certainly highly unlikely.
If I
have been struck at, but not actually bitten, I'm not going to try to run away. Snakes can
also strike faster than I can run, and that kind of sound and motion is a bullseye target for a snake which has already made the decision to kill. I'm going to hope I can get off a couple of shots before the snake tries again.
Do I expect I will ever use my snakeshot? No. I would bet money that I never will.
But would I bet my life on it? Not really. It seems reasonable to hedge my bets when it comes to my life.
So, if I'm in grizzly country, I'll lug along my Stoeger 2000. :lol: Still expecting never to use it.
If I'm in snake country, I'll carry some snake shot.
And good ol' .45 FMJ somewhere in the magazine seems prudent for the possible two-legged predator regardless, on any hiking trail.