Are there any advantages to 3 1/2" shells?

[hometheaterman]

I've got a few buddies that shoot 3 1/2" shells in their guns. I used to use them some. However the gun I used them in when I finally shot it at paper it seemed to do way better with the 3" 000 buckshot than it did with 3 1/2" 00 buckshot. I've started just using 3" shells and in my current shotgun since it will only shoot 3" shells I of course use them now.

When it comes to deer hunting is there actually any advantage to 3 1/2" shells? What about when it comes to other types of hunting/shooting? Are the 3 1/2" shells and guns just a marketing gimmick or is there actually a purpose for them?

 

[sourdough44]

The only advantage with the 3.5" chamber is if you plan to shoot a lot of steel shot. Other than that there is no good reason(for me) to get a 3.5" chamber. I do own one though. Look at the specifics of a 3" Rem HD or the Hevi-shot loads & others. That's where you need to be when you want the most out of your scattergun.

 

[PT1911]

In my opinion, much like using a 300 win mag rather than a 30-30 for 100 lb deer. there, for all practical purposes, is no reason to opt for the 3 1/2 inch rather than the 3 inch or even the 2 3/4 inch. it is all in the bigger is definitely better...right? If a 2 3/4 inch slug will kill them then a 3 1/2 inch slug will kill them deader right?

there can be an argument for greater range, but I would say choose your gun (and load) for your likely range... a 2 3/4 inch sabot slugs will are capable of clean kills to 150 yards or better, if you are shooting farther, get a rifle.

there can also be an argument for more "shot" in the larger shell... once again.. choose your gun (and load) for your situation. I can only see a benefit to using the 3 1/2 inch shells for select fowl hunts. For deer, I would not be using anything but a slug anyhow as i would rather rely on my aim rather than landing a lucky shot from the pattern.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Not for me...

lpl

 

[rcmodel]

The 3 1/2" shell was invented after the law that required steel shot for waterfowl hunting.

The shorter shells wouldn't hold enough steel shot to equal the old lead shot 2 3/4" & 3" Magnums.

There is no possible need for them for buckshot or deer unless you are just a masochist who likes to get the shxx kicked out of you for pleasure.

rc

 

[chas08]

If you are going to shoot a lot of larger steel shot such as BBB or T shot then I would say the 3.5 can be an advantage. I own two 3.5" guns, an 870 and an 1187 Supermag. I only carry them as a backup gun on goose hunting trips. I had rather shoot my SP10 than either of those, if I need that much shell. Hevi Shot and Remington HD have leveled the playing field considerably for the standard length 12 gauges if you can afford it.

 

[waterhouse]

If I ever needed what a 3.5" shell offered, I'd skip it and just get a 10 ga, so for me the answer is no. I've owned a couple of 3.5" guns, but so rarely shot 3.5" shells that they have been sold off.

 

[kcmarine]

Can't really say, though I just got a 3.5" yesterday. It's a nice option, I suppose. It's also nice to have the bigger ejection port. Nothin' bad about that

 

[tju1973]

Yeah-- because turkey's won't go down with 3" shells, much less a 2.75" one...

I have no problem with 3.5" shotguns, except I use a HR break open 10 ga for geese, a 870 for ducks, and a .410 or 28 for dove and quail...

And I have an old Stevens SxS that has taken a bunch of birds-- of varying sizes...and it has a measly 2.75 chamber...

I got it from my father i nlaw, and he got it used way back in the 50s....

Still going strong..

8*)

 

[orphanedcowboy]

The only 2 benefits is pattern density and maintaining pattern percentages while increasing shot size.

Example of pattern density:

Most popular 3" loads are 1 1/8oz

Most popular 3 1/2" loads are 1 1/2oz

3" load of #3's has approximately 172 pellets

3 1/2" load of #3's has approximately 229 pellets

By doing this, you have increased our pattern density allowing you to stretch your optimum pattern density by several yards based on still being able to maintain minimum pattern percentages over a broader range.

Example of shot size increases:

Most popular 3" loads are 1 1/8oz

Most popular 3 1/2" loads are 1 1/2oz

3" load of #1's has approximately 115 pellets

3 1/2" load of #BB's has approximately 110 pellets

Now you have increased your range without sacrificing pattern density.

*************************************************************************************************************************************

Now I shot a SBE II for several years, and only shot maybe 10 3 1/2" shells period, I shot mainly 2 3/4" Wingmaster HD and Kent 3" 1 1/4oz Fasteel. I own 1 3 1/2" gun, the new Maxus, I sold all the others or have them on consignment now, I shoot mainly a 3" gun for waterfowl, a Browning A5 Mag 12.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I figure there is not much a little more practice wont cure.

 

[berettashotgun]

In a 10ga. - YES; in a 12ga. - sorta'.
12ga. 3.75" shells have a higher pressure standard than 10ga (3.75") or 12ga. (3") designed shotguns of the past, current mfg 12ga. shotguns with models having 3.75" models alongside 3" models might not notice the higher pressure shell, winchester SX2 comes to mind. I don't know about the 1187.
On paper the answer to your question is a resounding YES. Out in the blind or field, like I said - sorta'.

Missing is always missing.

I'll always get my Gold lite 10ga for any work that requires that much shot, but I use 2.75" activ or gold medal hulls reloaded for my duck hunting.

 

[Speedo66]

To a chiropractor perhaps.....

 

[rcmodel]

Yeah-- because turkey's won't go down with 3" shells, much less a 2.75" one...

Turkey will go down with a 2 3/4" #8 trap load if you hit them in the head/neck.

My personal opinion is, the ever increasing search for power to kill a turkey is because people develop a really bad flinch and miss a lot with the anti-aircraft guns being fostered off on folks who don't know any better.

rc

 

[X-Rap]

To me its like buying a k frame 357 instead of a 38 spcl.
I might do most of my shooting with the 38's but when I want I can step it up. Those with a 38 can't.
The same with 3.5's.
It's not about anything but options for me. For most I think 3.5's would be the choice with steel also.

 

[Mossberg535]

It's not about anything but options for me.

Great point.
I was going to get a MB500 12 ga, but Im really glad they only had the 535 when I went shopping. I havent used a 3.5" shell yet, but its nice to know that I have the option should the mood strike me to try them out.
Same reason I bought a 357 magnum Ruger SP101. Certainly dont need more than a 38/28+p, but its nice to know that if I want to toss some 357's in there I can do it.
And Since I also reload now, I dont have to worry so much about trying out hot 38 loads.

 

[mgkdrgn]

I hear Orthopedic surgeons love them.

 

[MCgunner]

I agree with the surgeons. But, make mine a 10. I, too, shoot 10. I have several 12s, 2 have 3" chambers. But, they, quite frankly, are annoyingly insufficient on geese unless shooting hevi shot. As much goose hunting as I do, I can pay for a 10 in a couple of seasons just in ammo savings. I thought about getting yet ANOTHER 12 gauge in 3.5", but seemed stupid when I could get a 10 and get the real deal. If I didn't already have a 12 gauge 3" waterfowl gun, I might have gotten an 835 or 935 Mossberg, but the 10 just seemed like the answer for me. The ONLY thing I use it for is goose hunting and hog hunting on buckshot only hunting areas. It sure as heck ain't a dove gun! I have a 20 gauge for that, anyway.

If you just MUST shoot one gun for everything and geese are on the menu, the 12 3.5" capable might be for you. I think variety and tool specialization is better, myself.

 

[mgkdrgn]

I know what you mean ... them gooses can sure keep going with a lot of lead in 'em. And a dove gun? Noooo, not unless you want them to look like a solid hit on a clay.

I agree with the surgeons. But, make mine a 10. I, too, shoot 10. I have several 12s, 2 have 3" chambers. But, they, quite frankly, are annoyingly insufficient on geese unless shooting hevi shot. As much goose hunting as I do, I can pay for a 10 in a couple of seasons just in ammo savings. I thought about getting yet ANOTHER 12 gauge in 3.5", but seemed stupid when I could get a 10 and get the real deal. If I didn't already have a 12 gauge 3" waterfowl gun, I might have gotten an 835 or 935 Mossberg, but the 10 just seemed like the answer for me. The ONLY thing I use it for is goose hunting and hog hunting on buckshot only hunting areas. It sure as heck ain't a dove gun! I have a 20 gauge for that, anyway.

If you just MUST shoot one gun for everything and geese are on the menu, the 12 3.5" capable might be for you. I think variety and tool specialization is better, myself.

 

[Horsemany]

All the guys I hunt with have Benelli SBE's and choose NOT to shoot 3.5"ers. The gripe with 3.5's is they have added shot but not speed over a 3" shell. Actually they like the speedy light payload 3" steel for ducks. They've been shooting 3" for the last couple of years.

I wouldn't shoot 3.5"s unless I was a die hard Canada goose guy.

 

[MCgunner]

All the guys I hunt with have Benelli SBE's and choose NOT to shoot 3.5"ers. The gripe with 3.5's is they have added shot but not speed over a 3" shell. Actually they like the speedy light payload 3" steel for ducks.

I use 2 3/4" 1550 FPS 3 shot steel loads for ducks and they work great, don't need 3" anymore since the fast steel stuff came out. For me, the big stuff is for geese, 2 3/4" will do anything else that needs doing with a 12.

 

[RSVP2RIP]

+1 for 2 3/4" #3's for ducks. The only advantage a 3 1/2 shell has is that it can create a gun that can "do it all", using 3/4 ounce lite target to 10ga "equivilent" loads. It doesn't have the short shot column of the 10ga though and is not as good for any purpose one would desire a 10ga for....BUT it is nice to know that when out in the middle of BUFU South Dakota, you can find something that would work at the mom/pop shop at 6:00 in the morning if you leave your 3 1/2" Ultra Wingstomper's in the garage.