Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
CCI Shotshell 40 S&W ammunition loads 88 grains of #9 lead shot into an aluminum case, producing 1250 feet per second at the muzzle and 305 foot-pounds of energy. This is a handgun shotshell cartridge — a specialty round engineered for dispatching snakes, rats, and other close-range pests without the recoil or overpenetration of a full-power jacketed bullet. The 40 S&W platform, chambered in revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, becomes a short-range scatter tool when loaded with CCI’s shot capsule design. CCI manufactures this ammunition in the United States, using Boxer primers and non-corrosive propellant in aluminum cases that are not reloadable.
Built for the Barn
The 88-grain payload consists of dozens of #9 lead pellets contained in a plastic shot cup that travels down the bore, then opens after exiting the muzzle. At distances inside ten yards, the pattern is tight enough to reliably hit a snake’s head or a rat’s body; beyond fifteen yards, the pellets spread too wide for consistent lethality on small targets. Muzzle velocity of 1250 fps is mild by 40 S&W standards, reducing felt recoil and keeping the report closer to a .22 LR than a full-power defensive load. The aluminum case keeps weight low — ten rounds ship at 0.240 pounds — and the Boxer primer seats flush to prevent ignition delays. CCI does not recommend firing shotshells through ported barrels or compensators, as the plastic shot cup can clog ports and cause pressure spikes.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 40 S&W |
| Shot weight | 88 Grains |
| Shot size | #9 |
| Bullet style | Lead Shot |
| Muzzle velocity | 1250 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 305 ft·lbs |
| Case type | Aluminum |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | No |
| Rounds per box | 10 |
| Intended use | Hunting / Pest Control |
| Manufacturer | CCI |
This load works reliably in double-action revolvers and most full-size 40 S&W semi-autos with tilting-barrel lockup. Short-barreled pistols and guns with ultra-light recoil springs may fail to cycle the aluminum case. Browse our full selection of 40 cal ammo for additional 40 S&W loads optimized for range training and defensive carry.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four universal rules of firearm safety at all times: treat every gun as loaded, never point at anything you don’t intend to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and identify your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your state and local jurisdiction allow possession of handgun ammunition and lead shot loads before ordering.
- Do not fire shotshells through ported barrels, compensators, or firearms not rated for 40 S&W SAAMI pressures. Pattern your handgun at known distances before relying on this load for pest control.
California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm. Wash hands thoroughly after handling ammunition. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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