3 1/2 inch shells vs 3 inch any conclusive evidence

[ILIKEHEVI-13]

Why would you compare a 3" magblend to a 3.5" 2.25oz #6 load?  Keep the load the same.  

I'll give you an example.  

Moss 835 with Hevi-13 3" #7 Star Dot choke- probably around 260 shot or so on avg 10" @40yds

Same gun an choke and 3.5" 2.25oz #7 typically 320 or so and sometimes as high as 360

Now do the math on why I shoot 3.5" shells in this load.  

[rebelman]

Why would you compare a 3" magblend to a 3.5" 2.25oz #6 load?  

I agree however, I never shot a 3.5" Mag Blend out of the Nova before I sold it. I would bet you $20 however, the number of hits would not have increased from the 3.5" #6's.

[Reloader]

It's all gun specific when we talk about most factory loads.  With handloading you can get the efficiency up to where 3.5" wins hands down every time.

When Factory loads are concerned, here's a couple of examples where it's a toss up:

My 1187 and two of my 870s put up 190-210 with the H13 3-2-6 with various chokes.  The same guns would only do 160-175 with H13 3.5-2.25-6 loads.  In that case, the 3" was hands down the winner.  The next lot of ammo could have been a different story.  

With lead I have been able to get 115-135 hits with various 3" Win #6 loads in multiple guns.  With some of the same guns I've achieved the same number range with 3.5" Winchester #6 lead loads.  No need in the 3.5s in that case.


Let your guns and chokes tell you what they like.

[reynolds243]

Why would you compare a 3" magblend to a 3.5" 2.25oz #6 load?  

I agree however, I never shot a 3.5" Mag Blend out of the Nova before I sold it. I would bet you $20 however, the number of hits would not have increased from the 3.5" #6's.

I would almost take that bet, both of my guns the magblends outshoot the 6's # wise. may not have in your gun or set up but the Mags do put up some very good numbers.

[ILIKEHEVI-13]

Well I'll say this in my experience of owning 2 3.5" guns the 3.5" shells with the heavier payloads smoked the 3" lighter loads everytime.  I know some say the 3" shells will pattern better, but I haven't seen it. 

[archery1]

 

[Mike Honcho]

I'm with ILIKEHEVI13....I shoot an 835/Star Dot/Hevi13, 3.5"  # 7's .   Where I hunt it is all fields so I regularly take really , really long shots (40yds) and cleanly put the birds down.  I'm a big guy 6'1" 250 lbs so I don't mind the recoil from the small sticks of dynamite.   I'm sure 3" sticks of dynamite would work too...I just like to use all my guns capability.

[ILIKEHEVI-13]

Thanks.  If you choke a 3.5" load correctly, you will see the added benefits more times than not over a 3" shell downrange.  But again 3" shells will give great results as well.  But having said that, I don't see much reason to own a 3.5" gun if your only going to shoot 3" loads.  The kick doesn't bother me when shooting a turkey anyway.