2 3/4 Inch Shotgun Shells

[tecrey]

I've just purchased my first shotgun, a Mossberg Tactical 500. It states in manual that only 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells should be used. So I bought a box of Lellier & Bellot 2 3/4 inch shells and a box of Federal 2 3/4 inch shells. The Lellier & Bellot shells are actually 2 1/4 inches long and the Federal shells are 2 1/2 inches long. Why the difference, and what shell is actually the recommended "actual" shell size for a 2 3/4 shell?

[ysr_racer]

You're fine. Different manufacturers specs that's all.

[ceh383]

Fire one of each, then measure them...Shell length is after firing.
I just measured a Win AA, a B&P and a Fiocchi 2-3/4 shell, all were 2-5/16
A Win superX 3" shell measured 2-9/16...

[Revoman]

ceh383 nailed it, the 2.75" dimension is taken with the shell open, unfired before it is loaded with powder and shot the first time. Then after being fired as it is once again in the open position and empty.

Stick with what is stated on the factory box and you should be fine.

[003]

[ysr_racer]

Stick with what is stated on the factory box and you should be fine.

Stick with what is stated on the SHELL and you should be fine

[Newshooter]

Stick with what is stated on the SHELL and you should be fine

Best response I have ever seen in his forum

[Revoman]

Good correction!

[Steve_In_29]

A bonus of those shorter (unfired) shells is that they will sometimes allow for an extra shell in the mag when you add an extension.

[tecrey]

Thank you all very much!

[ysr_racer]

Best response I have ever seen in his forum

So that means my first 2701 posts were crap

I'll agree with that.

[bigbearbear]

Note that the shell length is how long the shell is when unfolded (eg. after firing or when new and not crimped). So you can have 2 3/4 inch shells that measure differently when they're crimped.

[JagerDog]

As noted, it's the length before loading.

Europe (S&B) uses a lot of 2-1/2 to 2-9/16 chambers.