Basic question on shell length.

tjhands · March 24, 2006, 09:07 AM

Probably THE most basic question of them all.

When I used to hunt, I had a single shot 20 gauge, so I don't know much about the functioning of pumps or semi-autos.

I have a Mossberg 500 which I keep loaded with 2 3/4 inch 00 buckshot. My question is this: what's the difference between that and the 3 inch (besides a quarter of an inch)? Will it function just as well in my Mossberg? In theory, could I stagger those two rounds and have them feed just fine?

Thanks for helping me with a dumb question!

Dave McC · March 24, 2006, 09:17 AM

The 3" stuff should work. Check your receiver and barrel. At least one should say "for 2 3/4 and 3" shells".

For defensive purposes, 2 3/4" stuff is plenty. The Mags kick more, cost more and don't kill anything deader.

And, the Archives have lots of info.....

tjhands · March 24, 2006, 10:48 AM

Thanks Dave.

**Mike Irwin** · March 24, 2006, 11:12 AM

Just to drive home a point, 3" shells in a 2 3/4" chamber can be very bad, to the point of bursting the barrel.

tjhands · March 29, 2006, 05:02 PM

Yikes, those 3" shells about took my shoulder off. Up until now I've only shot the "managed recoil" 00 shells. These.......weren't.

Ouchy.

March 24, 2006, 09:07 AM	#1
tjhands Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2005 Posts: 1,718	Basic question on shell length. Probably THE most basic question of them all. When I used to hunt, I had a single shot 20 gauge, so I don't know much about the functioning of pumps or semi-autos. I have a Mossberg 500 which I keep loaded with 2 3/4 inch 00 buckshot. My question is this: what's the difference between that and the 3 inch (besides a quarter of an inch)? Will it function just as well in my Mossberg? In theory, could I stagger those two rounds and have them feed just fine? Thanks for helping me with a dumb question! __________________ "If the sole purpose of handguns is to kill people, then mine are all defective." - Uncle Ted Nugent

March 24, 2006, 10:48 AM	#3
tjhands Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2005 Posts: 1,718	Thanks Dave. __________________ "If the sole purpose of handguns is to kill people, then mine are all defective." - Uncle Ted Nugent

March 24, 2006, 11:12 AM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Just to drive home a point, 3" shells in a 2 3/4" chamber can be very bad, to the point of bursting the barrel. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

March 29, 2006, 05:02 PM	#5
tjhands Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2005 Posts: 1,718	Yikes, those 3" shells about took my shoulder off. Up until now I've only shot the "managed recoil" 00 shells. These.......weren't. Ouchy. __________________ "If the sole purpose of handguns is to kill people, then mine are all defective." - Uncle Ted Nugent

March 24, 2006, 09:17 AM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	The 3" stuff should work. Check your receiver and barrel. At least one should say "for 2 3/4 and 3" shells". For defensive purposes, 2 3/4" stuff is plenty. The Mags kick more, cost more and don't kill anything deader. And, the Archives have lots of info.....