shell lenth question

[Gifted]

My mother just showed me a pouch she got, that she has no use for. It was originally for flash for a camera that will never come. Anyway, she gave it to me, to see if I could find a use for it. Checking, I found a box of 2 3/4" shells fits perfectly. Intrigued, as this is now a closable pouch for shells for use for whatever, I measured it, thinking to see if I could fit 3" or even 3 1/2" shells in it.

To my surprise, it's only 2 1/2" wide! Startled, as the 2 3/4" shells fit perfectly, I measured a shell, and found they are only 2 1/4" long. Which is why they fit so nicely. Continuing on, I wasn't terribly surprised, as many calibers aren't the actual measurements of the cartridge. So, the pouch is 4 3/8" long. Is this long enough for two 3" or even 3 1/2" shells? I know they won't go in like the regulars, but the long ways I figured was possible. Seeing as how the regular size is shorter than they say it is, how long are the magnum shells, and would they fit in here?

 

[SRYnidan]

Gifted

Measure a fired hull and I think you will find your missing ½”.
There has to be somewhere for the crimp to open

 

[Nnobby45]

Some folks have actually dropped 3" shells into a 2 3/4" chamber and thought, "wow, they fit". While the standard chamber accomodates the UNFIRED case, there won't be room for crimp to expand if fired. Pressures skyrocket. You and your gun may survive unscathed---one or both of you may not.

 

[foghornl]

The shell length refers to Overall length AFTER FIRING. The crimped portion of the unfired shell has to go somewhere...Compare the length of an unfired standard 'star' crimped load vs a slug with a shallow roll-crimp vs a fired shell, all of nominal 2-3/4" length.

When I first started shotgunning in my [somewhat mis-spent] youth, the shell length thing had me for a while.

I have seen the end results of firing a 3" shell in a 2 3/4" inch chambered gun. Can you say "Swollen Up and popped like a zit?"

 

[berettashotgun]

Contrary to what you think......

My 1187 with a 2 3/4" chamber has killed a LOT of greenheads here in OK, with 3" shells-why hasn't the barrel "Swollen Up and popped like a zit?" I miked the chamber ~ it had the same (sorta') specs that my 3" beretta barrels have. Now why does the remy even use 3" shells when I only reload 2 3/4"fed GM hulls for ducks?; the dang "freeloaders" who always need to "borrow" a shotgun for duck/turkey/whatever hunting & don't seem to think that ammo is required/needed. I end up selling off some of the B&P steelshot I bought just for the novelty hulls.