Description

Ever needed to clear out a snake den on your property or deal with a rodent problem in the barn without risking a ricochet? That’s where a specialized round like this comes into play.

Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in family-focused firearms and ammunition. The CCI Big 4 Shotshell for .45 Colt is a 140-grain shotshell load designed for close-range pest control. Its unique four-segment design offers a more controlled pattern than standard shotshells. This 200-round case is in stock and ready to ship today for $158.37.

Why This .45 Colt Shotshell is a Smart Choice for Your Kit

I’ve seen a lot of folks reach for rat shot over the years, and most of it is pretty basic stuff. What makes ordering the CCI Big 4 Shotshell 45 Colt ammo online worth your while is the thought CCI put into the design. Instead of a simple capsule full of shot, they’ve divided it into four segments. This isn’t just a gimmick; it creates a denser, more consistent pattern at typical pest-control distances of 10-15 feet. It means you’re more likely to connect with that rattler or pack rat on the first shot, which is always the goal. Having a full 200-round case means you’re set for a long time, whether you’re teaching a new shooter the unique handling of these rounds on tin cans or keeping your homestead clear of varmints.

Detailed Specifications

How It Stacks Up: CCI Big 4 vs. The Competition

Feature	CCI Big 4 Shotshell	Generic Import Shotshells (~$75/case)	Premium Branded Defensive Shotshells (~$260/case)
Material & Build	Segmented polymer capsule, reliable CCI primer.	Simple one-piece capsule, variable primer quality.	Often specialized hulls or high-tech capsules.
Quality & Consistency	High. Known for uniform velocity and pattern.	Low. Patterns can be erratic, more misfires.	Very High. Engineered for specific performance.
Compatibility	Designed for standard .45 Colt chambers.	May have sizing issues in tighter chambers.	Often caliber-specific with tight tolerances.
Shipping & Availability	In stock, ships same-day from TX.	Often drop-shipped, long lead times.	Frequently on backorder due to low production.
Lifespan / Durability	Long shelf life, stable components.	Can degrade faster, especially the capsule.	Long shelf life, premium components.
Price (for 200 rds)	$158.37 (on sale from $185.00)	~$75.00	~$260.00+

The Honest Pros and Cons

What you’ll like:

• ✅ Controlled Pattern: The four-segment design really does work for a tighter shot group at close range.
• ✅ CCI Reliability: You’re getting the same primer and quality control as their standard ammo. I’ve rarely seen a dud from CCI.
• ✅ Case Quantity: 200 rounds is the sweet spot. It’s enough to sight in, practice, and have plenty left for actual use.
• ✅ Safe for Rifling: The polymer capsule protects your barrel’s rifling from the lead shot, which is a major concern with some older designs.
• ✅ Perfect for Teaching: Minimal recoil and report make these great for introducing new shooters to handling a .45 Colt platform.

What to consider:

• ❌ Very Limited Range: This is for 15 feet and in. It’s not a substitute for birdshot. For longer-range small game, you’d want a .410 shotgun. See our Air Gun Rifles for another quiet pest control option.
• ❌ Not for Defense: Do not use this as a defensive round. Its penetration on a two-legged threat is highly ineffective and dangerous. For that, look at dedicated hollow points.
• ❌ Cycling in Lever-Actions: Some lever-action rifles can be finicky feeding these polymer-tipped rounds. It’s always best to test a few first.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Order This Ammo

Buy it if: You own a .45 Colt revolver or carbine for ranch or homestead duty. You want an effective, low-risk solution for snakes, rats, or birds in confined spaces. You’re a firearm instructor looking for low-recoil training ammo for new shooters. You value consistent performance from a known US manufacturer and want a sensible bulk quantity.

Skip it if: You need ammunition for personal defense or hunting game larger than a rabbit. You’re looking for long-range pest control beyond 20 yards. Your firearm has known feeding issues with non-standard projectile shapes. If your needs fall into these categories, our Full Shop has better-suited alternatives.

Common Concerns Addressed

Will this damage my revolver’s barrel? No. The shot is contained entirely within the polymer capsule, which obturates and seals the bore. The lead never touches the rifling.

How far is it effective? For a reliable, ethical pest kill (like a snake), keep it under 15 feet. The pattern opens up quickly after that.

Can I use it in my .45 Colt lever gun? Yes, but test for reliable feeding first. The polymer tip can sometimes hang up on the feed ramp compared to a rounded lead bullet.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been looking for a safe, effective way to handle nuisance pests around your property with your .45 Colt, this CCI Big 4 case is the tool for the job. The sale price on this 200-round pack makes it a practical addition to your ammunition stores.

Browse more: Air Gun Rifles | Full Shop