2 3/4 vs 3 inch

[db.40]

Hey all, so I did a little research on good HD ammo and read that #4 buck was better than 00 if concerned with over penetration. My question though, whats the main difference between 2 3/4 and 3 inch #4 buck (other than being 1/4 longer)? I bought some 3 inch but wasn't sure if that was the way to go or if it even matters.

Thanks

[Rumline]

You need to look at the other parameters of the shell. Ounces of shot and muzzle velocity being the main two. Sometimes they also tell you the equivalent drams of powder in the shell. With a longer round generally you can get more shot or more powder (or both) in there but it depends. If two rounds have the same specs but one is 3" and the other is 2 3/4", I would say all you're gaining by using the 3" shell is less rounds in your mag tube.

[aippi]

I see no application for 3" in a defense shotgun. If you want more shot the go down on the size such as instead of 00 go to #1 or #3 buck. If you want a magnum 00 go to 2 3/4" magnum 00 with a 12 pellet count.

[BigDogatPlay]

I see no application for 3" in a defense shotgun. If you want more shot the go down on the size such as instead of 00 go to #1 or #3 buck. If you want a magnum 00 go to 2 3/4" magnum 00 with a 12 pellet count.

^^^Sage advice here^^^

In most wood frame construction even 4 buck is going to zip through the walls just as well as 00. A 3 inch shell in any shot size is going to put more lead in the air at a potentially higher velocity, hence that many more projectiles through the walls.

If you're running a pump, standard or even reduced velocity 00, 1, 3 or 4 buck will almost certainly go a long way towards getting the job done at HD distances.... at least in my opinion.

YMMV.

[Thefeeder]

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On the box top does it read "#4 Buck" or "#4 shot" ?

[003]

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://firearmsid.com/jpgs/A_dist1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://firearmsid.com/A_distshotpatt.htm&h=294&w=317&sz=14&tbnid=I6BY1lMQQiVrQM:&tbnh=109&tbnw=118&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dshotgun%2Bsize%2Bdiagram%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=shotgun+size+diagram&usg=__A6Pl1OFYPQ9BmBEBeqnYE_RBpHs=&sa=X&ei=kbPyTbrsFZKssAOx-_SuCw&ved=0CBoQ9QEwAA

[BigDogatPlay]

Sort of what I said but taken a different way, I think.

FWIW.... Federal's buckshot performance charts


While they load 3 inch shells to the relatively mild 1100 fps, like they do 2.75 inch, more weight in the payload means more energy to get it to that speed. While we could get scientific, the simple facts remain as (I think) I stated earlier....

*** Buckshot at HD distances is going to go through wallboard and raise some damage on the other side.

*** More pellets penetrating the wallboard increases the chances of unwanted collateral damage.

Food for thought and debate.

[sargenv]

Actually, the 3" hulled shell with the heavier payload will put more lead into the air at a disadvantage (if you can call it that) of velocity.. # 4 buck in a 2 3/4" shell generally runs 27 pellets which comes in at about 1 3/8 oz.. if you were to load the 3" shell to capacity, it would be more like 33 or 34 pellets of #4 buck for about a 1 7/8-2oz charge.. the 27 pellet load would be in the range of 1330 fps, the 1 7/8 oz 33-34 pellet load would likely top out around 1220 fps.. and would be even more painful to shoot recoil wise... most ppl get a 3" gun since they are fairly common and run the shorter shell in them since those are most available and pretty much effective enough. Saying pattern density and talking buckshot is kind of an oxymoron.. there will be holes in the pattern at a certain distance no matter what you do..

Personally, I'd go with something a bit lower recoil.. 20 pellets of #4 buck at 1250 fps with a full choke is likely plenty for human targets.. and likely 8 or 9 pellets of 00 @ 1250 fps (this is the "tactical Buck" load) for same.. the poster above pretty much said the same thing a bit differently

[Coyotegunner]

The folks above have covered the technical part.So I will try to cover what I do with buckshot.Over penetration is relative to what you have to slow the shot down.4 buck and 00buck will be pretty close to the same thing.They are loaded pretty much to do one thing.Kill stuff.I hate coyotes and kill them every chance I get.In San Bernardino county,we by law have to use shotgun only in many areas.I use primarily 4 buck 2-3/4" due to having more pellets.They are roughly .26 cal,while 00buuck is .32 cal.The 2-3/4" has a little less recoil and is effective killing 35 lb animals to 70 yards.Sometimes a second shot has to finish the job.Under 50 yds they usually roll over.Another shot that works real well is T shot.Under 15 yds any buckshot is devastating.So is birdshot on soft targets.Buckshot is made for penetration and knockdown,no matter what size.

[BigDogatPlay]

In San Bernardino county,we by law have to use shotgun only in many areas.I use primarily 4 buck 2-3/4" due to having more pellets.They are roughly .26 cal,while 00buuck is .32 cal.The 2-3/4" has a little less recoil and is effective killing 35 lb animals to 70 yards.Sometimes a second shot has to finish the job.Under 50 yds they usually roll over.

Interesting post. Out of curiousity, what load / choke / barrel length combination are you using with #4 buck out to 70 yards? At that distance I think the smaller shot size of #4 would be an advantage solely for having more pellets in the pattern.

[TheExpertish]

Interesting post. Out of curiousity, what load / choke / barrel length combination are you using with #4 buck out to 70 yards? At that distance I think the smaller shot size of #4 would be an advantage solely for having more pellets in the pattern.

I'm wondering the same thing for Three Gun purposes in knocking down plates at that distance. Sounds like the combo I've been looking for. I'm new to the competition thing.

[BigDogatPlay]

I'm wondering the same thing for Three Gun purposes in knocking down plates at that distance. Sounds like the combo I've been looking for. I'm new to the competition thing.

Pretty much where my brain was going. I'm a total noob relative to 3 gun and am just sort of getting my toes into that pool.