3.5 vs 3" ?

[deadbuck]

If you do the math you will see that if using #6 hevi shot, there are 57 more pellets in a 2.25 oz load versus a 2 oz load. This is why a lot of 3" guns shoot as well as a lot of 3.5 inch guns. To each his own.

[Heller]

My gun patterns 3s better

[surehuntsalot]

I have 3.5" guns,but with the ammo today a 3" is overkill.

[Hawk76]

I see no point in 3.5".  If you're shooting at 45 or less, what difference does it make.  The shell itself has more to do with its outcome than length.  With HTL and TSS, shooting 3.5 is just punishing yourself.  Too each his own.  Its amazing how I killed several birds (one 28# 10.5" beard) with a 2.75" shell of number 5s.  Only reason I switched to 3" was due to the lack of quality turkey shells in 2.75".

[Gooserbat]

I'm of the philosophy that bigger is better. I shoot 3.5" and it puts up 30=40 more pellets in the 10" than a 3".  Both will do the trick at 40. 

[Hawk76]

I'm of the philosophy that bigger is better. I shoot 3.5" and it puts up 30=40 more pellets in the 10" than a 3".  Both will do the trick at 40.

This is true to a point.  There is the law of diminishing returns.  You can kill deer with a 243/270/30-30/30.06, but a 375 or 416 Rigby is bigger.  Why aren't they used?  Or better yet, why not shoot a 10ga for these birds?  Definitely a bigger payload. 

I'm very thankful we can have these discussions (only in America).

Good Luck

[paboxcall]

I have 3.5" guns, but with the ammo today a 3" is overkill.

About 15-20 years ago, I patterned exactly four rounds of 3.5" in my NEF single shot.  Never again even though the gun is chambered for them.  3.5" shells don't make them deader. 

[Old Gobbler]

A  3.5 shell is essentially a 10 gauge shot charge crammed into a lengthened 12 ga  case , it has a longer shot charge , and a higher pressure making for a sometimes tricky combination to get to work well , but when it works well .. It works well then you have a affordable easy to carry n the woods virtual 10 gauge that is going to kick the snot out of you , but who cares .....it will kill gobblers with authority

My buddies make fun of me cause of my 12 pound 10 gauge gun , but I'm quick to point out that they all shoot lightweight rebadged 10 gauges , in the form of  a  3.5 12 --

A 10 gauge shell is a shorter shot charge than a 3.5 /12 shooting at a lower psi that a 12 , that's why they shoot good

A 3 inch 12 gauge shell is a shorter shot charge shooting at a lower psi

A 3.5 inch 12 gauge shell is a longer shot charge shooting at a higher psi , so naturally it's going to be somewhat more tricky to figure out , but I recommend turkey hunters take a little effort to look into it if they have the time

Good luck , safe hunting -- Shannon

[DirtNap647]

I think the 3 1/2 hit a little harder to

[Old Gobbler]

A 2.25 ounce 12 gauge load shoots give or take around 1200 fps , a 10 gauge 2.25 is doing 1240 , a slight difference in velocity


The popularity and versatility of the 3.5 12 is the reason for the decline in the 10 gauges , the 12 is simply a more practical alternative these days

[duckkillerclyde]

I know that waterfowl isn't the same as turkey but I'll shoot ducks and geese all day long with 2 3/4" just because I'm cheap.....or poor.   I can't remember.

[FL-Boss]

Same thing applies to the death of the 16GA... when the 20ga came out in 3in... bye bye 16ga.

[duckkillerclyde]

Same thing applies to the death of the 16GA... when the 20ga came out in 3in... bye bye 16ga.

My second gun was a Remington model 31 in 16ga.    I can never find shells unless it's #7 1/2 lead.   

[L.F. Cox]

My gun patterns 3s better

If it does you have a choke problem.

[ILIKEHEVI-13]

My gun patterns 3s better

If it does you have a choke problem.

I would say from experience that to be a very accurate statement.  Probably nothing wrong with the choke or choke you have tried either.  But from my experience it don't take much effort at all to make a heavier 3.5" load shoot better with more hits in a 10" and 20" circle at 40yds or a turkey or whatever else you are shooting at.