shell expansion???

[Olie8]

tell me if im wrong at any point maybe im mistaken.

when a shell is measured 2.5 2.75 3 etc its measured based on its expanded length not its prefired length. inside a shot gun there is a ridge or indent made to accommodate the expanding/ lengthening shell. my question is if a gun is marked to accept a certain round (lets say 3") but no smaller ones (lets say 2.75") can it still SAFELY fire smaller ones? i assume no, but then how do shotguns that are marked to fire multiple sizes work?

 

[romurra]

yes, shotguns fire the rounds they are marked for and all smaller rounds (3 1/2" does it all, 3" does 3" and 2 3/4", 2 3/4" does 2 3/4").

you also need to know if a barrel is 'steel capable' if you are firing steel shot loads out of it. some older barrels are not rated for steel.

 

[Olie8]

perfect

 

[ss1980]

The shell length is ALWAYS measured in its OPEN state (after firing). That is, NEVER fire 3" shells in 2 3/4 only guns, even if they fit in the chamber.