Description
Product Overview
The Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell in .38 Special is a specialized centerfire Ammunition designed for close-range pest and varmint control with a revolver. This 84-grain load is engineered for shooters who need a versatile, short-range solution that minimizes the risk of over-penetration compared to a standard bullet. Each case contains a payload of No. 4 lead shot, creating an effective pattern for dispatching small pests within confined spaces or near structures. This 200-round case pack is ideal for landowners, gardeners, and recreational shooters facing nuisance animal problems. It provides a practical tool for situations where a full-sized shotgun is impractical, offering the convenience of a shotshell payload in a familiar handgun platform.
Key Features
- No. 4 Lead Shot Payload: The 84-grain load consists of larger No. 4 lead shot, which carries more energy and maintains a denser pattern at extended ranges compared to smaller shot sizes typically found in handgun shotshells.
- Extended Effective Range: Engineered to deliver useful patterns at slightly longer distances than conventional .38 Special shotshells, improving effectiveness against pests like snakes, rats, and small birds.
- Minimized Over-Penetration Risk: The shot disperses energy quickly, making it a safer choice for use in barns, sheds, or gardens where a solid bullet might travel dangerously far.
- Convenient Packaging: Packaged in reusable 10-round boxes, providing organized storage and easy range bag transport. The 200-round case ensures an ample supply for extended use.
- Centerfire Reliability: Built on CCI’s consistent priming and brass casing, offering reliable ignition in any .38 Special revolver, including those with a 2-inch barrel.
- Specific Application Design: Created as a purpose-driven tool, not a replacement for standard ammunition. It excels in its niche role for pest control at very close quarters.
Performance & Applications
The Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell is defined by its specific utility. Its performance is optimal within a limited range, typically under 15 feet, where the shot column has not yet dispersed excessively. Understanding its intended applications is key to effective use.
1. Agricultural and Property Pest Control: This is the primary use for this ammunition. It is highly effective for dispatching snakes in barns or woodpiles, eliminating rats in confined spaces like coops or under decks, and managing invasive birds in attics or sheds. The No. 4 shot provides sufficient energy for clean takedowns of these smaller pests without the ricochet hazard or wall penetration of a standard bullet.
2. Garden and Yard Protection: For the homeowner, it offers a solution for protecting vegetable gardens from rabbits, ground squirrels, or marauding birds. The limited range and shot dispersion help protect nearby property while effectively handling the pest problem when used responsibly and in accordance with local ordinances.
3. Training and Specialty Use: Some shooters utilize these shells for short-range training on reactive targets like clay birds set at very close distances, demonstrating the unique ballistic behavior of a shotshell. It can also serve as a viable load for dispatching wounded game birds at point-blank range during a hunt when a shotgun is not at hand.
About Colt
Colt, through its CCI ammunition division, brings a legacy of precision engineering and reliability to the components that make shooting possible. For decades, CCI has been a leader in priming technology and specialty ammunition, setting industry standards for consistency and innovation. The development of a product like the Big 4 Shotshell is rooted in a deep understanding of ballistic problem-solving. It is not a generic commodity round but a thoughtfully engineered solution for a specific set of challenges faced by shooters. This expertise translates into ammunition you can trust to perform predictably, shot after shot, because it is built on a foundation of rigorous testing and a commitment to the practical needs of firearm owners. When you choose a product bearing the Colt and CCI name, you are selecting a tool developed with a shooter’s perspective in mind.
Make Your Decision
The Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell .38 Special 84-grain load is a specialized tool with a clear purpose. If your requirement is for safe, effective, close-quarters pest control with a revolver, this ammunition offers a proven solution with enhanced performance over traditional handgun shotshells. Its value lies in its specific design and the reliability of its manufacturer. Consider your intended use, always prioritize safe backstops and awareness of your local regulations, and you will find this 200-round case provides a substantial supply for addressing targeted pest problems efficiently.
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Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this ammunition reliable?
Colt ammunition undergoes rigorous quality control, ensuring consistent performance shot after shot.
What type of bullet is this?
This load features a high-quality projectile design, engineered for consistent performance.
What is this ammunition best used for?
This the specified caliber ammunition is optimized for range and field applications, delivering consistent performance.
How many rounds per box?
Each box contains 20 rounds, packaged for convenient use.

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