Firing 2 3/4" shells out of longer chambers - help?

Dave:

I have been shooting 2.75", 1 1/8, 3's out of my SPS870 which is a 3.5" all season. No problem at all and I am pounding birds.
 
Shell length has nothing to do with "accuracy" ... and shooting shorter (than chamber length) shells will have no meaningful affect on the chamber, via-a-viz "wear & tear".

I've shot ONLY 2-3/4 shells in a Beretta DT10 (which is chambered for 3") for the past 6 years ... something in the neighbourhood of 25 - 30,000 shells -
no problems whatsoever ! ...
 
Way to go Dave! Now you've just started a new gun 'myth' which will be debated and argued over for decades to come! I foresee this becoming worse than the 'bear defense' thread, or the 'wrestling is fake' debate.

Run away everyone! :runaway:

:D
 
This is a non-issue, from a firearm performance, wear/tear perspective.

All of my shotguns, except for a couple, have 3 inch chambers....and I only use 2 3/4" shells. IMHO, a 2 3/4 will do most things that a 3" or 3 1/2" will do.......just need to be clearly aware of the limitations, that's all :)
 
Magnum shells? Waterfowl, turkey. You don't really need magnums for a lot of hunting, but they can give better pattern density at longer ranges.
 
I've patterned numerous 2 3/4" shells over the years.Some pattern well,others not so well.One thing though is that the patterns I get from my 2 3/4" chambered target guns are pretty much the same as what my 3" chambered guns give me,given similar choke constriction.Just load them and shoot them!
Dave
 
Wow, this doesn't sound so complex after all!

Looks like I'll go with the 3 1/2" then, if there's nothing wrong with shooting short shells out of long chambers.

Though... how do I 'pattern' a shotgun? Just go by trial-n-error? Shoot, and then if it doesn't hit the right spot, then adjust the sights or change the choke or the ammo if the gun doesn't like it?

- Dave.
 
Dave L. said:
Wow, this doesn't sound so complex after all!

Looks like I'll go with the 3 1/2" then, if there's nothing wrong with shooting short shells out of long chambers.

Though... how do I 'pattern' a shotgun? Just go by trial-n-error? Shoot, and then if it doesn't hit the right spot, then adjust the sights or change the choke or the ammo if the gun doesn't like it?

- Dave.
Click to expand...

Get some news print paper. You want a piece about 36x36 and post it on a board.

Pick shell and choke tube. Shoot at the center of the paper. You want an evenly distributed pattern. If there are big holes, try a different load or choke. Keep experimenting. You can draw a 30" circle in the center for the paper with a center aiming point to help.

Start a 20 yards and work your way back to 40.

You want to find a shell choke combination that gives you a nice tight pattern without any big holes in it.
 
zenmagic said:
Would anyone venture to put up a list of known 3 1/2" shotguns that DON"T cycle lighter 2 3/4" shells very well? Or even a list of ones that DO?
Click to expand...

Each gun will shoot and possibly cycle each type of shell differently. Even the same make of guns. Some guns won't cycle one top of light target load, but will cycle a different type.

This is a very grey area.

I have had 4 different Benneli autos and each one cycled anything I feed it.
 
One thing to be aware of: While the 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells operate at the same pressure, 3 1/2 inch 12 gauge shells develop more (higher) pressure and the guns built for them are built accordingly. That means thicker barrels and heftier receivers, which means more weight. That extra weight is undesirable unless you are actually going to be shooting 3 1/2 inch shells. If you will be using mostly 2 3/4 inch loads, and want the occasional magnum load then a 3 inch chamber will likely serve your needs better, in terms of a more responsive and faster handling gun that is easier to carry all day.

Sharptail
 
2-3/4in

I am looking at replacing an 870 I sold some years ago and was looking at a Super Magnum 870. I went to Rem website and asked that specific question and asked too if the chamber lip were likely to foul. They said no problemo! But I am going for the magnum not the Super. Techno has changed recently and nothing I will hunt needs a 3-1/2in.
 
3-1/2in chamber

Been following a bunch of lines on this subject and the ones that bought 3-1/2 seem to think it unnecessary and the Super Mags tend to be heavier to take the extra punch so 3in seem to be favored by a lot. Have not seen anyone say you need a 3-1/2 anywhere.
 
shot shells

this is how i've always done my hunting configuring, i hunt ducks with a #2 2 3/4 and geese with a #bb shot in 3"mag. ive always used factory shells, never even fired a 3 1/2 mag, to tell you the truth i have yet to hunt with someone that uses a 3 1/2 mag or ten gauge to bring down more ducks or geese, usually the guy with the 10 gauge wants to go for breakfast first then following the guys with the 3 1/2 mags because or sore shoulders.. but its only what i think.
 
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