It seems most of use shotgun shooter use 2 3/4 shells with occasional 3 inch shells. I don’t have a shotgun that uses 3.5 inch shells. Is it exclusively used for hunting? If so how often are hunters using the bigger shells? Inquiring minds would like to know…….
School me on 3.5 inch shells
- Thread starter dodo bird
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You can't legally hunt waterfowl with lead shot. Steel shot is the most cost effective option. There are some other non-lead shells, but they are expensive. For someone who only waterfowl hunts occasionally the other shells are a good option. But if you shoot a lot, it gets very expensive. We're talking $5-$6 or more per shot.
The only practical use for 3 .5" shells is for guys who hunt geese with steel shot. Steel is lighter than lead and most hunters who hunt with steel move up about 2 shot sizes larger in order to get similar performance. With smaller shot sizes going from #6 lead to #4 steel isn't a huge deal. You can still get enough #4 steel shot in a 2 3/4" or 3" shell to be effective. Which works well on smaller ducks.
But geese need bigger shot sizes. Traditionally #2 lead is about right for geese, but with steel most hunters go to BB shot. In a 2 3/4" or 3" shell there aren't many BB shot in a single shell. Going to the 3 1/2" shells puts more pellets in the pattern.
For a time, some turkey hunters tried 3 1/2" turkey loads. Steel 3 1/2" shells have brisk, but tolerable recoil. But 3 1/2" lead turkey loads are approaching 458 WM recoil levels from lighter weight shotguns. Most turkey hunters have stopped using the big shells. In fact some of the modern shells and choke tubes have made the 3" 20 ga more popular than 12 ga guns for turkey hunting..
The only practical use for 3 .5" shells is for guys who hunt geese with steel shot. Steel is lighter than lead and most hunters who hunt with steel move up about 2 shot sizes larger in order to get similar performance. With smaller shot sizes going from #6 lead to #4 steel isn't a huge deal. You can still get enough #4 steel shot in a 2 3/4" or 3" shell to be effective. Which works well on smaller ducks.
But geese need bigger shot sizes. Traditionally #2 lead is about right for geese, but with steel most hunters go to BB shot. In a 2 3/4" or 3" shell there aren't many BB shot in a single shell. Going to the 3 1/2" shells puts more pellets in the pattern.
For a time, some turkey hunters tried 3 1/2" turkey loads. Steel 3 1/2" shells have brisk, but tolerable recoil. But 3 1/2" lead turkey loads are approaching 458 WM recoil levels from lighter weight shotguns. Most turkey hunters have stopped using the big shells. In fact some of the modern shells and choke tubes have made the 3" 20 ga more popular than 12 ga guns for turkey hunting..
Tungsten, steel, and Bismuth exist as lead substitutes. Pretty expensive. 3.5" is mostly for turkey, but did have some friends that used them for goose. 3" slugs are stout, never had the displeasure of firing 3.5", since every shotgun I've used had 3" chambers.
westernrover
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I bought an 835, the first shotgun produced for the 3.5" shell, when it was first introduced. That was in 1988, the first season where non-lead (steel) shot was required by law in some states for waterfowl hunting. By 1991, the ban on lead shot for waterfowl was nationwide. The 835 and the 3.5" shell was introduced to the market for the purpose of compensating for the loss of pattern density when using steel shot. 3.5-inch loads have a greater capacity, holding 1.5 to 1.75 ounces of steel shot that takes up more space than typical 1.25 to 1.5 ounce lead loads. The 3.5-inch shells not only hold bulkier, lower-density steel shot that takes up more shell volume for an equal weight, they hold a greater mass of it. That's important because steel tends to pattern more openly than lead. To get similar pattern densities at range with steel, there needs to be more shot pellets in the load. For that reason, Mossberg and Federal introduced the 3.5-inch shells.
Mossberg conceived the 3.5-inch 12 ga. shell as an alternative to 10 ga. shells that are also 3.5-inches. The obvious advantage to a 12 ga. capable of shooting 3.5-inch shells is that it can also shoot 3-inch and 2.75-inch 12 ga. shells, whereas a 10 ga. cannot. To further increase the performance of the 835, Mossberg "backbored" the barrels. Essentially, they opened up the bore diameter to dimensions similar to 10 ga. The goal was to have the 12 ga. with 3.5-inch shells pattern similar to a 10 ga., but also be able to shoot inexpensive and widely-available 2.75-inch 12 ga. field loads.
Waterfowl, particularly large waterfowl like geese were the reasons for the genesis of 3.5-inch 12 ga. shells. Essentially, its reason for existence is the same as that of 10 ga. However, that doesn't mean there aren't other purposes for it. As it has been mentioned, turkey hunters tried it. 18-pellet 00 buckshot loads are also available for it. I couldn't say if deer hunters would want to use 18-pellet 00 loads or if it could ever make sense for home defenders or law enforcement, but 18-pellets of 00 is a big load of lead. The obvious drawbacks are the recoil and reduced tubular magazine capacity with the long shells. The existence of shorty shells suggests some people think lower recoil and more shots are the way to go. The continuing dominance of regular 12 ga. buckshot shells is enough evidence the 3.5-inch magnum's niche remains in waterfowling. It almost certainly also nailed the lid on the coffin of 10 ga. You won't likely see 10 ga. shells on the shelf. Browning doesn't make one anymore. Remington doesn't make one anymore. Winchester makes no more 10 ga. Mossberg certainly doesn't make one. No Beretta or Benelli. Sportsmans and Cabelas list none.
Mossberg conceived the 3.5-inch 12 ga. shell as an alternative to 10 ga. shells that are also 3.5-inches. The obvious advantage to a 12 ga. capable of shooting 3.5-inch shells is that it can also shoot 3-inch and 2.75-inch 12 ga. shells, whereas a 10 ga. cannot. To further increase the performance of the 835, Mossberg "backbored" the barrels. Essentially, they opened up the bore diameter to dimensions similar to 10 ga. The goal was to have the 12 ga. with 3.5-inch shells pattern similar to a 10 ga., but also be able to shoot inexpensive and widely-available 2.75-inch 12 ga. field loads.
Waterfowl, particularly large waterfowl like geese were the reasons for the genesis of 3.5-inch 12 ga. shells. Essentially, its reason for existence is the same as that of 10 ga. However, that doesn't mean there aren't other purposes for it. As it has been mentioned, turkey hunters tried it. 18-pellet 00 buckshot loads are also available for it. I couldn't say if deer hunters would want to use 18-pellet 00 loads or if it could ever make sense for home defenders or law enforcement, but 18-pellets of 00 is a big load of lead. The obvious drawbacks are the recoil and reduced tubular magazine capacity with the long shells. The existence of shorty shells suggests some people think lower recoil and more shots are the way to go. The continuing dominance of regular 12 ga. buckshot shells is enough evidence the 3.5-inch magnum's niche remains in waterfowling. It almost certainly also nailed the lid on the coffin of 10 ga. You won't likely see 10 ga. shells on the shelf. Browning doesn't make one anymore. Remington doesn't make one anymore. Winchester makes no more 10 ga. Mossberg certainly doesn't make one. No Beretta or Benelli. Sportsmans and Cabelas list none.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
There are 3 primary uses for 3 1/2" 12 gauge, waterfowl (mainly geese), turkeys, & coyotes. Any game that you would consider using a 10 gauge for the 12 gauge 3 /1/2" is a decent choice.
I have owned 3 different 3 1/2" 12 gauge shotguns. A Mossberg 835 with a 28" barrel, a Mossberg 835 with a 24" barrel in woodland camo, and a Benelli Super Black Eagle LH. I actually had the SBE setup for Turkeys with a 1-4 Leopold scope and pistol grip stock. It was also a good setup for coyote, but I never got the opportunity to use it on one.
I also had a Browning BPS 10 gauge.
For Turkeys a liked the 3 1/2" 12 over the 10 gauge because of the lighter gun weight. I have killed several Turkeys with the 3 1/2" and a couple with the 10 gauge. I love to run and gun for gobblers and the weight difference of the shotguns makes the 3 1/2" 12 a ideal choice for the big bangers. In a goose blind, 10 gauge please: as the weight of the shotgun eats up the recoil.
Mentioning recoil the 3 1/2" 835 Mossberg 24" is the most recoil that I have ever endured!!!
If you are a woods coyote hunter and use hounds, the additional pellet count in a 3 1/2" #4 buckshot load will roll a yote out to 70-75 yards.
My current turkey shotgun is a Western Field 410 bolt action shotgun
. The fun of calling in a Tom to close range is more fun than rolling them at 60+ yards with the Benelli Ultimate Turkey blaster!
If you are on a limited budget and can only justify one shotgun. The 835 Mossberg with the 28" barrel is truly a great do it all shotgun. Start your day with 3 1/2" loads in the goose blind. After filling your limit of geese. Head to the drainage ditches and jump shoot a few ducks with 3" steel. On the way back to the truck load up with 2 3/4" light loads and catch a few migrating timber doodles.
There is no shotgun that offers more versatility than a 3 1/2" gauge, and the 835 is probably the best value in the bunch.
I have owned 3 different 3 1/2" 12 gauge shotguns. A Mossberg 835 with a 28" barrel, a Mossberg 835 with a 24" barrel in woodland camo, and a Benelli Super Black Eagle LH. I actually had the SBE setup for Turkeys with a 1-4 Leopold scope and pistol grip stock. It was also a good setup for coyote, but I never got the opportunity to use it on one.
I also had a Browning BPS 10 gauge.
For Turkeys a liked the 3 1/2" 12 over the 10 gauge because of the lighter gun weight. I have killed several Turkeys with the 3 1/2" and a couple with the 10 gauge. I love to run and gun for gobblers and the weight difference of the shotguns makes the 3 1/2" 12 a ideal choice for the big bangers. In a goose blind, 10 gauge please: as the weight of the shotgun eats up the recoil.
Mentioning recoil the 3 1/2" 835 Mossberg 24" is the most recoil that I have ever endured!!!
If you are a woods coyote hunter and use hounds, the additional pellet count in a 3 1/2" #4 buckshot load will roll a yote out to 70-75 yards.
My current turkey shotgun is a Western Field 410 bolt action shotgun
. The fun of calling in a Tom to close range is more fun than rolling them at 60+ yards with the Benelli Ultimate Turkey blaster!If you are on a limited budget and can only justify one shotgun. The 835 Mossberg with the 28" barrel is truly a great do it all shotgun. Start your day with 3 1/2" loads in the goose blind. After filling your limit of geese. Head to the drainage ditches and jump shoot a few ducks with 3" steel. On the way back to the truck load up with 2 3/4" light loads and catch a few migrating timber doodles.
There is no shotgun that offers more versatility than a 3 1/2" gauge, and the 835 is probably the best value in the bunch.
Steve in NC
Member
I have a SBE II LH for 10+ yrs now. I patterned shotguns for many years and reload shotgun also.
Bottom line: a 12 ga 3 1/2" shell may have more BB's in the shotcup, but patterning and hunting experience doesn't put more bb's inside the pattern where it's needed to kill.
I don't own anymore 3 1/2" shells. When I need a heavy shell for the large sea ducks on the coast or for geese I use 3" #4 Hevi shot load and drop'um like flies. Hit the head!
That load puts more bb's inside of the pattern where they are needed. That is my experience, 3 1/2" shells are good for the cocky guy who needs his ego trimmed down. Here shoot this one again... naw I'm good usually comes out of his mouth after 3 or 4 shells.
Bottom line: a 12 ga 3 1/2" shell may have more BB's in the shotcup, but patterning and hunting experience doesn't put more bb's inside the pattern where it's needed to kill.
I don't own anymore 3 1/2" shells. When I need a heavy shell for the large sea ducks on the coast or for geese I use 3" #4 Hevi shot load and drop'um like flies. Hit the head!
That load puts more bb's inside of the pattern where they are needed. That is my experience, 3 1/2" shells are good for the cocky guy who needs his ego trimmed down. Here shoot this one again... naw I'm good usually comes out of his mouth after 3 or 4 shells.
Armored farmer
Member
The posts above said what I wanted to say.
I hunted waterfowl in Saskatchewan with my 3½ inch 870 SuperMag........but used 3inch ammo for the most part.
3inch in the chamber and one in the magazine followed by a 3½ incher for the last shot.
A good strategy.
I hunted waterfowl in Saskatchewan with my 3½ inch 870 SuperMag........but used 3inch ammo for the most part.
3inch in the chamber and one in the magazine followed by a 3½ incher for the last shot.
A good strategy.
red rick
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I bought a used 3.5” shotgun from a friend . My county is a shotgun only county for deer . I went to a local gunsmith that makes chokes and bought a custom choke from him and he told me that his son and he has the same shotgun and to use 3.5” Remington 00BK . It patterns great at about 45 yards and I expect that it would do good a little further than that , but I haven’t tried it any further than that . That’s why I use it .
I will add that my Winchester SX3 3.5” has less felt recoil with 3.5” 00BK , than my Browning A5 with 2 3/4” 00BK , or my 870 3” 00BK .
I will add that my Winchester SX3 3.5” has less felt recoil with 3.5” 00BK , than my Browning A5 with 2 3/4” 00BK , or my 870 3” 00BK .
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Random 8
Member
I bought my first 3.5" shotgun in the late 90s when steel shot technology was relatively primitive. The working theory at the time was to stuff as much shot as possible into a shell, hence the 3.5" 12 gauge. I found this theory counter productive as it was done at the expense of velocity which is critical to cleanly killing with steel shot. Around 2000, Fiocchi and Kent HV 3" loads came to market with 1.25 oz payload at or above 1500 fps. These simply worked better in the real world than any contemporary 3.5 shell at the time. 3.5 high velocity loads followed, but IMHO didn't offer any significant advantages as the killing range of steel shot, even with extra velocity is still limited by physics and a heavier payload offers no benefit worth the additional recoil.
As an avid duck and goose hunter, at least for me, the 3.5" shell was never a good answer for steel shot, and would have limited utility for extreme range pass shooting at geese with heavier than steel ammunition. There may be some applications with buckshot, turkey loads, and dangerous game slugs, but I have little experience there.
As an avid duck and goose hunter, at least for me, the 3.5" shell was never a good answer for steel shot, and would have limited utility for extreme range pass shooting at geese with heavier than steel ammunition. There may be some applications with buckshot, turkey loads, and dangerous game slugs, but I have little experience there.
GooseGestapo
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Traditional 10ga shells were either 2-7/8” and 3.5”.
10ga shotguns traditionally are 11-13lbs due to size of barrels and recievers, and to better dissipate substantial recoil!
The 3.5” 12ga was offered to give nearly the capacity of the 10ga, with a less expensive shells and guns intended for waterfowl with the less dense “non-lethal” (nontoxic, but steel shot didn’t kill as effectively as lead, we hated it at first).
Also, most 3.5” guns offer additional features such as back bored barrels, ports, and multiple coke tubes.
10ga shotguns traditionally are 11-13lbs due to size of barrels and recievers, and to better dissipate substantial recoil!
The 3.5” 12ga was offered to give nearly the capacity of the 10ga, with a less expensive shells and guns intended for waterfowl with the less dense “non-lethal” (nontoxic, but steel shot didn’t kill as effectively as lead, we hated it at first).
Also, most 3.5” guns offer additional features such as back bored barrels, ports, and multiple coke tubes.
N555
Member
Make sure you have a fairly heavy gun to fire them in.
Scooter22
Member
From anyone I know that used one. Not worth it unless real high waterfowl. Sore shoulder and headache. Just what they said.
red rick
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I don’t find the recoil bad using 3 1/2” 00BK out of my Winchester SX3 and I don’t consider that shotgun heavy either . I have had rotator cuff surgery on my shooting shoulder and I am not afraid to shoot it and nor does it hurt . Maybe it hurts more shooting it pointed in the air , but mine doesn’t hurt shooting it vertically . My 2 3/4” Browning A5 without a rubber recoil pad bothers me more .
i ran Bismuth 3" #2 on geese way back (1100 Magnum, 30" full choke ). It worked very well.
Previous to that was an 835 w 28" bbl and Mod choke tube. Running BBB 3.5" conventional steel.
Worked but didnt like the gun or the ammo.
3.5" steep would IMHO be the economical way to take geese.
Turkey loads.....3 or 3.5" heavy payloads were a thing back in the day. They sucked. More recoil and the heavy loads flew slower. More shot w less energy aint a.good thing.
With choke tubes one can get enough pellets on target, so its best to get em there hammerin'.
Hence the HV ammo change back around 2000.
Now we have tungsten stuff and small gauges
For turkey I run 3" and HV 4s or Magnum Blend.
They still thump on both ends. Don't need more LOL
Previous to that was an 835 w 28" bbl and Mod choke tube. Running BBB 3.5" conventional steel.
Worked but didnt like the gun or the ammo.
3.5" steep would IMHO be the economical way to take geese.
Turkey loads.....3 or 3.5" heavy payloads were a thing back in the day. They sucked. More recoil and the heavy loads flew slower. More shot w less energy aint a.good thing.
With choke tubes one can get enough pellets on target, so its best to get em there hammerin'.
Hence the HV ammo change back around 2000.
Now we have tungsten stuff and small gauges
For turkey I run 3" and HV 4s or Magnum Blend.
They still thump on both ends. Don't need more LOL
Random 8
Member
YES. Taking an overhead shot at passing geese with 3.5" Bismuth is an unforgettable experience. 3" is even pretty brutal. I often hunt out of a canoe, and when afloat on deeper water rather than wedged into the weeds, the rocking of the boat must be accounted for on low angle crossing shots!
Another note on those back bored 835s. In good goose and diver weather, below about 25F, they had a nasty tendency of shattering the steel shot wads and bleeding a massive amount of velocity. Rather frustrating to watch a load of steel BB harmlessly bounce off a close decoyed goose inside of 30 yards. Happened with multiple brands...big 3 and one foreign brand of steel...before I sold that canoe paddle in the early 2Ks.
Patterning years ago for turkey season my Benelli pump kicked the living snot out of me with 3 1/2" loads. 3" was much better. Wound up using an 11-87 3".
I am not overly recoil sensitive, shooting 3000 shells a week at trap and loving my 45-70 NEF. But there is a limit.
I am not overly recoil sensitive, shooting 3000 shells a week at trap and loving my 45-70 NEF. But there is a limit.
That’s getting into smallish punt gun territory!
99.9% of the time, 3" will do just fine and you, your shoulder, and your wallet will thank you.
Most of my duck hunting was from a blind and 2 3/4" shells did just great. BUT, that was when lead was legal. I did use 3" on turkey but didn't need to.
Most of my duck hunting was from a blind and 2 3/4" shells did just great. BUT, that was when lead was legal. I did use 3" on turkey but didn't need to.
rabid wombat
Member
Well… this is a 3inch… 3.5 is going to leave a mark 
