I am not a big fan of snakes. No, that is not true. I really hate them and they just seem to love me. Because no matter when I am in the woods, they seem to find me. That being said, when one (me) comes into contact with them, and in the heat of the fight, it is very difficult to hit one with a single shot bullet. Even at only around 10 feet. No I ain't gettin closer. Had a rattler strike at me once and all I had was my 30/06. Real hard to see through the scope at 10 feet. Even more difficult to hit a 6" diameter object looking down the side of the barrel. Come close though.
So, in my opinion, which isn't all that great, I would stay with a revolver and loads with brass casings. Had a 38 spl. once with alum casings. Not a good idea. The aluminum swells and stops the revolver from spinning to the next round. You better be able to run fast. Snakes can move pretty quick.