use of shorter ammo, Biakal sxs .410 bore

[rmuzz]

I have a Baikal sxs in .410, it says on the side for use with 3" shells, in the manual is says:

"Barrels marked 3" (76mm) will only use 2 3/4" (70mm) or 3"(76mm) shot shells and not for use with 3 1/2"(89mm) shells"

First of all, I'd never heard of 2 3/4" or 3 1/2" .410 shells, I am fairly new to the shotgun world so I'm guess those are either something available on the other side of the Atlantic or a reloader's sizes because I haven't seen them around at sporting goods shops before.

This brings me to my real question, why wouldn't I be able to use 2 1/2" shells? Can I, or should I stay with 3" to be safe? Any explanation would be appreciated.

-Rmuzz

 

[shoey]

Never heard of shells shorter than the max chamber length being unsafe. My guess is that those warnings are the generic warning and referring to the 12 guage model...

 

[rmuzz]

You know that makes sense... my thoughts didn't even go that direction. It was a pretty generic manual made for all of the 12,16,20,28, .410 models. I couldn't see why, thought I'd ask questions first and shoot later

 

[chas08]

Shoot all the 2 1/2's you care to. The general rule, never to be disobeyed is; "Never" shoot a "Longer" shell in your gun than it is rated on the barrel for. Shorter is most always fine unless it involves a repeating action, and some of the really short shells on the market nowadays. The only problem you may incur is that if you've shot a lot of 2 1/2's you may need to clean the chamber before firing a 3 inch because of the fouling starting at the end of the shorter shell This is somewhat extreme, but it can happen.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Hmmm, suspect markings on the Baikal shotguns. Not really suprised. I guess that is why I stay away from them like the plague. Gun snobbery maybe. But for the same price as one of those Ill go with the Stevens 311 or Western Arms long range on the used market.

 

[rmuzz]

Thanks for the responses, you guys here on THR are always pretty helpful and knowledgeable. I appreciate it.

-Rmuzz

 

[shoey]

Loved my Baikal 20 gauge. Unfortunatly, it didnt fit me quite right and therefore I wasnt quite as effective with it as I was with other guns. It was the one I was willing to trade when I needed a muzzleloader. That said, I wouldnt hesitate to get another or reccomend them to someone. They are far from pretty, but they work and they're tough.