Shotgun shells

[george223]

I always took it for granted that 12 Ga 2 3/4" shotgun shells were 2 3/4" long and 3" shells were 3" long. Out of curiosity, I measured each shell today and the 2 3/4" shells were actually 2 3/8" long and the 3" shells were 2 5/8" long. This had me scratching my head and the only thing I can think of is the length on the box label is actually the length of the shell before it is loaded. Not sure if that is the explanation but I learned something today.

[rvicta]

That is correct. Shot shell length is it's length uncrimped.

[tabascoz28]

Pick up some fired shells, they will measure correctly. And yeah, I found out this last year when I started reloading for them, thought something was wrong...

[Epaphroditus]

The wonders of using a measuring device!

[dracer]

it gives room for the shell to open in the chamber , or it would open in the barrel