This should be probably posted in the Turkey gun section but I thought it would get
more attention here. I'm getting tired of lugging my 3-1/2 inch 870 cannon around the woods and my 3 inch 870 has a sleeved barrel that's too tight for the big TSS loads. I decided to swap barrels around but I've never shot three inch shells in the longer chamber. I know i can do the switch but do you all think it would still pattern okay?
I've had very good patterns shooting 3 inch shells in all of my 3 1/2 inch guns. This has been my experience so far.....
Apex make a load that is 2.75 with 2 ounces of #9 to say that it is devastating would be an understatement. They are wicked!!!!
Have a good one and May God bless
Bo
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You'll be fine. In fact, on multiple occasions a 3" pattern has been even better for me than a 3.5" pattern. Not with every combo, but definitely with some. The difference in payload is negligible, and still higher capacity than a 20 ga. Go for it.
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Thanks guys, your answers are what I was hoping to hear!
I quit shooting 3 1/2" shell 9-10 years ago. My 870 shoots better patterns with 3" shells in pretty much every combo of shell & choke I've tried.
Agree, i bet his gun will pattern better with the 3 inch shells ...
I agree with the rest shoot the 3 inch - I'll bet the pattern is better and your shoulder will thank you!!
3" longbeard patterned better for me than 3.5" in my Stoeger 3500.
I shoot 2 3/4" out of my 3.5" gun just fine
Sounds great, thanks everyone.
My 3.5 inch chambered gun shoots 3" shells better than anything else. The difference in pattern density between a 3" and a 3.5" is is minimal at best. I've had a difference in ammo brands, so definitely find what what your gun likes.
Jim
Pattern be fine.
Point of Impact probably change.
My 835 has always patterned better with 3 inch shells.
Quote from: Gooserbat on February 01, 2023, 08:10:55 PM
I shoot 2 3/4" out of my 3.5" gun just fine
Me too. Some of the experts (I'm not one) will tell you that you lose a little velocity when shooting a shorter shell in a longer chamber. Dead turkeys can't tell the difference.
I have an 870 3.5 inch magnum turkey and it patterns better with 3 inch loads than with 3.5