2 "3/4 VS 3" shells

Well it depends on what you're doing exactly. Generally 3 inch shells have more powder and pellets in them, resulting in more kick and punch. As far as ejection goes, you wont see much difference if any between the two shells. What kind of shooting/hunting will you be using them for?

Joe. G

-Inside Sales
 
For target/high volume clays and 90% of waterfowling scenarios all you need is 2 3/4" ammo. Light target loads for clays, light field loads for small game, and match the non-toxic loads to the waterfowl you're after.
 
I use 2 3/4" target shot for clays and upland birds, and I use 3" steel for geese and ducks.

My gun likes the 2 3/4" better for ejecting as the 3" gets caught on the way out and I have to manually pull it out.
 
The only reasons for the 3 inch version are :
A. Extra range/shot for duck/geese/turkey/slug hunters
B. More money for manufacturers
C. The trend to bigger is better, bragging rights and magnumitis.

Nowadays you can also buy 3.5 " shells for waterfowl.
IMO, the only legitimate reason for the longer shell is to compensate for steel shot requirements.

Generally if you don't need the longer shell for a special purpose you stick to 2.75. They are much easier on your shoulder.
 
I've gone back to 2 3/4" for duck hunting in the last few years. Get all the ducks I need. If they are getting out there I just let em go. I don't need to shoot at everything I see. But I grew up in a time when 2 3/4" was the norm and they did everything that needed to be done. Sure, I switched to 3" when they became the big thing but, as mentioned, I've gone back to 2 3/4". Just my personal preference.
 
It makes a big difference what part of the country one hunts in and the type of hunting. Out west waterfowl hunting from blinds from my experience out there I think I could use a good stick and limit out where here over the ocean many times and the usual long pass shots one could use the 10ga and still be under gunned
Cheers
 
DiabeticKripple said:
I use 2 3/4" target shot for clays and upland birds, and I use 3" steel for geese and ducks.

My gun likes the 2 3/4" better for ejecting as the 3" gets caught on the way out and I have to manually pull it out.
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Time to get a new shotgun if this is the case because that would get annoying real fast to me. I am curious as to why your gun would do this. It it an Rem 870 perhaps that has a standard sized receiver, hence a smaller ejection port that someone has swapped the 2 3/4 inch barrel out for a 3 inch barrel perhaps?

As to the OP's original question, the 3 inch shell became a lot more popular after the advent of steel shot becoming mandatory. A 2 3/4" shell can hold about can hold up to 1 3/8 oz. of shot and most hunting loads for ducks and geese where 1 1/4 oz and for upland 1 1/8 ounces. When steel shells came along most people found they had to go up one to two shot sizes to kill as effectively with compared to lead loads. Thus they the 2 3/4 shell didn't hold enough pellets to make a effective pattern so most people switched to 3 inch shells for the greater pellet count. Least that my theory and I am stickin to it.

Jim
 
Tjv787 said:
What would 12 ga 2 3/4" 4 shot be suitable for ?
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Steel or lead? The steel would be good for ducks, the lead would be okay for upland game.

About duck hunting with 3" vs 2 3/4" I remember reading an article about a duck hunter comparing the two pretty thoroughly and I can't remember why but the conclusion of his testing was that the 2 3/4" was pretty much the same as 3" minus expense and recoil. Maybe I will find that article. Anyway I still have a ton of 3" steel 3's and 4's to shoot up...
 
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