20 gauge shells of different length

washerman · #1 01-20-2021, 05:42 PM

This is maybe a dumb question but i have a 20 gauge in my office closet. I only have 3 buckshot #3 shells that are 2 and 3/4 inches long and i have 4 buckshot shells that are 3 inches long. My gun is chambered for 3 inch shells. Any problem with using different lengths at the same time? I can't find any more to buy.

NYlakesider · #2 01-20-2021, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by washerman

This is maybe a dumb question but i have a 20 gauge in my office closet. I only have 3 buckshot #3 shells that are 2 and 3/4 inches long and i have 4 buckshot shells that are 3 inches long. My gun is chambered for 3 inch shells. Any problem with using different lengths at the same time? I can't find any more to buy.

Shoot away, your good to go!

OKFC05 · #3 01-20-2021, 05:49 PM

As far as chambering and firing, you may use up to the maximum length of your chamber.
For auto loaders, there may be an issue (or not) with feeding mixed power shells, depending on the design of the specific auto loader. For example, some older magnum shotguns have adjustments to shoot lighter loads and feed reliably.
Consult you owners manual.

washerman · #4 01-20-2021, 05:58 PM

its a pump action shotgun. I should have put that info in there!

OKFC05 · #5 01-20-2021, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by washerman

its a pump action shotgun. I should have put that info in there!

Pump away!

loeman · #6 01-20-2021, 06:11 PM

Thanks guys for your info. I was wondering the same thing about an old 410 single shot that was recently given to along with a couple of boxes of shells of different lengths.

scooter123 · #7 01-20-2021, 07:35 PM

Most 20 and 12 gauge shotguns sold today will feature 3 inch chambers over the 2 3/4 inch chambers. However 410 is an exception to this. There is a mix of 410 chamber lengths on the market today so it is essential you check YOUR chamber length before purchasing any ammo.

Inusuit · #8 01-21-2021, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter123

Most 20 and 12 gauge shotguns sold today will feature 3 inch chambers over the 2 3/4 inch chambers. However 410 is an exception to this. There is a mix of 410 chamber lengths on the market today so it is essential you check YOUR chamber length before purchasing any ammo.

In most cases, especially new guns, the chamber length should be stamped on the barrel.

Just because a shotgun shell of a specific length will chamber easily in the gun does not mean that is safe to shoot. Barrel chambers are longer than the unfired length of the shell to allow for the shell to open when fired. While a shell labeled 3 inch may chamber in a firearm with a 2 3/4 chamber, excessive pressures may result when fired as there is not room for the shell to safely open.

TMan51 · #9 01-21-2021, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loeman

I was wondering the same thing about an old 410 single shot that was recently given to along with a couple of boxes of shells of different lengths.

If the gun came with both 2 1/2" and 3" shells, the 3" shells may be OK. I have a very old .410 that was chambered for 2 1/2" shells. The 3" shells will not drop all the way in, and could probably be forced, but common sense tells me NOT.

If it doesn't fit, don't force it.

Inusuit · #10 01-21-2021, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMan51

If the gun came with both 2 1/2" and 3" shells, the 3" shells may be OK. I have a very old .410 that was chambered for 2 1/2" shells. The 3" shells will not drop all the way in, and could probably be forced, but common sense tells me NOT.

If it doesn't fit, don't force it.

As I noted in a previous post, even if it fits firing it may not be safe. One needs to know the dimensions of the chamber and the length of the shell.