Handgun snake shot loads

Question
Hello!

I have seen many advertisements for "snake shot loads" for handguns.  I have been tempted to purchase some of these, but am concerned that they could potentially damage the barrel of my pistol. (.45ACP, Ruger P-90)
I was wondering if you could comment on these concerns, and compare these loads to the likes of the Glaser safety slugs or other frangible loads as both "snake shot" and defensive rounds.
Thanks in advance,
Eric  

Answer
Eric,

I don't believe the "snake shot" rounds can harm your barrel.  They do not work like a shotgun shell, but rather there is usually a hollow clear-blue pastic projectile that contains the loose shot.  This move down the barrel, and the shot does not separate until after it has left the barrel.

The cartridges seem pretty useless to me - they many wound or stun a snake, but I don't believe they would kill one (though I have never shot a snake with one myself).

I would certainly never trust such a round for self defense against a human predator, as penetration would be minimal, the shot diameter tiny.

The Glasser or MagSafe's are frangible rounds, packed with shot in epoxy under pressure.  They travel down the bore and through the air as a single projectile.  It is when they hit that they have an explosive effect, and while the do not penetrate deeply, the force of the round breaking up causes catastrophic wounding.

Glassers and MagSafes make a lot of sense for defensive rounds, particulary in confined areas.  The snake shot is an interesting curiosity, but has little (if any) serious or legitimate ue.