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Author Topic: Shot shell lengths  (Read 1197 times)

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Offline Virginia Yank

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Shot shell lengths
« on: May 29, 2003, 02:18:49 AM »
Hate to highlight my ignorance about shotguns but I recently inherited a  12 bore pump shotgun.  I noted on the barrel that it's chambered(?) for 3" shells.  I also note that 12 gauge shells come in several lengths.  Does the 3" on the barrel of this gun mean I am restricted to only shotshells of this size or can I use 2 3/4" as well?
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Virginia Yank

Offline Geno

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Max length is 3" for this chamber
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2003, 02:43:49 AM »
You can use any length up to 3".
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Offline dakotashooter2

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Shot shell lengths
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2003, 05:06:47 AM »
Since you asked that question I am going to assume that you do not know that when a shell is refered to as a 3" or 2 3/4" that reference is made to the length of the shell after it is fired. In other words an "unfired" 3" shell is really 2 3/4" long a 2 3/4" is 2 1/2" long,  This allows for the crimp to open up in the chamber.  I metion this so you don't try firing a unmarked 3 1/2" (actual length 3") in your gun. I have met people in the past who were able to chamber the longer shell so assumed it was OK to fire. For example a 3" shell will fit in a 2 3/4" chamber but on firing the crimp is forced to open into the throat (transition from the chamber to bore) of the barrel raising pressures to a dangerous level.
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Offline Virginia Yank

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Shot shell lengths
« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2003, 08:48:02 AM »
Appreciate the info.  Thanks.
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Virginia Yank

Offline savageT

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Shot shell lengths
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2003, 03:38:54 AM »
Quote from: dakotashooter2
Since you asked that question I am going to assume that you do not know that when a shell is refered to as a 3" or 2 3/4" that reference is made to the length of the shell after it is fired. In other words an "unfired" 3" shell is really 2 3/4" long a 2 3/4" is 2 1/2" long,  This allows for the crimp to open up in the chamber.  I metion this so you don't try firing a unmarked 3 1/2" (actual length 3") in your gun. I have met people in the past who were able to chamber the longer shell so assumed it was OK to fire. For example a 3" shell will fit in a 2 3/4" chamber but on firing the crimp is forced to open into the throat (transition from the chamber to bore) of the barrel raising pressures to a dangerous level.


Dakota,
I want to thank you for this information.  I had always assumed that a 2- 3/4" shell was 2-3/4 inches long in the before fired condition.......WRONG!  I recently was purchasing some 3 inch turkey loads for my grandson's new 20 gauge and that's when I made the discovery.  Thanks for pointing this out.  The guy behind the counter was equally amazed! :?

Jim
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Offline Brushhunter

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Shot shell lengths
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2003, 04:42:23 PM »
Yet another example of how there's no such thing as a dumb question.  Virginia Yank, good on ya for asking!
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