Putting down a Calf with a .22lr

[Marksman1997]

Have a few calves with a bad disease that need put down. would a .22 do the job or would you need the shotgun. they are young calves.

[saddler]

Nobody you know with a captive bolt gun?

 

A .22 in the right place MAY do the job, but not what I'd choose; even though the .22 is the tool of choice in most of the world for small-holders/farmers that slaughter their own pigs, etc.

Even a .410 would be a better option - though the increased noise level may be more of an issue with a .410

[aga man]

410 Does the job very cleanly.

[Marksman1997]

dont have time to buy and license one though.

And nobody round here has a captive bolt gun.

Would get the vet if needed but would be a decent bill with 4 or 5

[Prospero]

I'm pretty sure you could get next day delivery on bolt gun, try Killgerm?

[scotslad]

Aye it will, we had to get a lad in to shoot a load of calfs/stirks in a shed once and he used the 22. Some of those were quite big too. He wouldn't even be that close to some of them althou not sure as weren't allowed in the shed for safety reasons

U hardly heard a sound out of the shed and the stock didnae seem to upset by it neither, which really surprised me.

 

Just mind and watch for any richochet's if shooting over a hard floor etc, why shotguns are favoured so much

Edited July 26, 2016 by scotslad

[bluesj]

A 22 will do it but its not the recommended tool for the job as the energy is below 200 joules

Have a read of this http://www.hsa.org.uk/downloads/publications/hsa-humane-killing-of-livestock-using-firearms.pdf

[CharlieT]

I use a shotgun, less room for error.

 

And just a reminder, you need your .22 with the additional condition for "the humane killing of animals"

[Loki]

I see no reason why a .22lr cannot be used effectively - recall seeing horses being dispatched using .22lr & HV.

In the head and down into the neck so no exit.

Surprised me that such a small calibre could do it so cleanly.

[foxy bingo]

.410 does a great job

[Harry136]

.22LR is the calibre of choice for Mossad when it comes to euthanising terrorists! I see no reason why it wouldn't be effective as long as the shot is placed correctly. .22LR is used as there is very little overpenetration on a headshot and the round just bouces around the inside of the skull, losing energy very quickly.

[ben0850]

As Charlie T says, we use shotgun for fallen stock.

[drut]

Position of brain in cattle is higher than (I at least)expected http://www.hsa.org.uk/positioning/cattle .Only time I have had to kill calf(in distress/emergency) I chose 12g Hushpower rather than 22lr : less possible hassle & more certainty of result.

[Fisheruk]

If you use a rifle you will need the condition Humane Dispatch on your FAC, if not use a shotgun.

[Walker570]

Yes, the 22RF will do the job if you get it all lined up spot on but watch the ricos. Personally I would use my 410. At close range even #8s are going to be one big lump. A lot safer for you and anyone near by. Sorry old job at the best of times though.

You don't know anyone with a 17 Remington nearby. Seen many park stags laid low with one of those in the ear, not a twitch.

Edited July 26, 2016 by Walker570

[CharlieT]

.22LR is the calibre of choice for Mossad when it comes to euthanising terrorists! I see no reason why it wouldn't be effective as long as the shot is placed correctly. .22LR is used as there is very little overpenetration on a headshot and the round just bouces around the inside of the skull, losing energy very quickly.

 

Yes, funny they replaced .22lr pistols with 9mm 50 years ago!

 

Of course a .22 lr will do the job but personally I care for my calves welfare and prefer to use something that leaves no chance of wounding and causing suffering. I've seem far to many sheep and other stock running round needing follow up shots because some inexperienced muppet cocked it up after using a little pop gun.

[ordnance]

Or you could pay a vet to do it.

[dodeer]

Shotgun is my advice for a novice ( no offence intended).

 

I've had to kill many hundreds of calves in my past career, 90% were with a bolt gun, but other animals with a shotgun or .357

[fallowbuck]

I have shot livestock with a .22 lr with no problems.I did have a semi-auto however and always used a "double tap" to be sure.

[Shotgun jimmy]

Yes 22lr will do the job nicely, done it hundreds of times. Bullet placement to the correct part of the skull is key to ensure quick death

[kyska]

Shotgun is recommended by the humane slaughter association.

 

Remember to that a captive bolt is a stunning tool, so you'll need to bleed the animal after