Need shotgun shell help

[Pitchy]

I found the paper shells on the left that are number 2`s max load, they measure 2 7/16 over all length. The slugs to the right of them measure the same.
The two on the far right are modern shells that are marked 2 3/4 but measure 2 1/2.
I`m not up on all these shotgun shells, can i shoot the number 2`s in my Browning A5 that has a 2 3/4 chamber?
Was thinking they would make a good home defense load.

How do they measure shells, fired length ?
Thanks

[Blaine]

Auto's are funky with old shells sometimes..Sometimes old paper shells are swollen a bit...the plastics are prolly ok...For SD, I'd use new...but, I'm overly cautious most of the time.

[Nath]

Fired length Pithchy. 23/4" should be that once fired.

N.

[Pitchy]

But they are longer, are they 3 inch shells, they fit in the chamber fine. See how much paper is above the wad where it says 2.
My main question is are all those shells considered 2 3/4 shells even though they vary in length.

[iceman]

Shotshells are always measured in the fired condition. Those slugs bring back old memories. They are poly core Imperial slugs made by CIL just down the road from me in Brownsburg Quebec. They have a regular hollw base foster type slug with a plastic core that brought the sides of the slug back to their original shape once they went through a tight choked barrel.
My Dad worked at that factory as a carpenter and I used to have access to cheap ammo because they sold factory seconds to employees. Most of the errors were bad crimps or unclear printing on shotshells or lube dents on rifle rounds. At the time I think it was $1.00 a box for shot shells and $5.00/ 1000 for 22lr. I don't know about rifle rounds because I wasn't big enough to use the rifles yet.

[iceman]

By the time those roll crimp unroll, I am willing to bet they will measure 2 3/4". If you are worried that they are too long for your auto 5 , borrow a friends 3" shotgun and fire 1 of each off and measure. I am willing to bet they will measure 2 3/4" long once fired. Some roll crimps suck up more material to complete the crimp than others.

[madman4570]

If memory serves me right------------------------------
The older paper 12 gauge shells were available in 2 5/8, 2 3/4, 2 7/8, 3, and 3 1/4 inch lengths. In addition, 12 gauge brass shells were also offered in a 2 1/2 inch length. The longer shells were usually for more and better wadding, not a heavier shot load.

Pitchy read link below (Question No. 12)
http://hunting.about.com/od/shotgun/l/a ... unfaqb.htm

[Pitchy]

Yep i think you guys are right on all accounts, thanks.
Trying to figure out what to keep the old girl loaded with for HD, the only buck shot i have is some all plastic case stuff that sometimes don`t eject because the rim isn`t as big.
Been reading a few debates about buck versus bird shot and i`m still not convinced that a high power 2 3/4 -7 1/2 shot is too light and won`t penitate at close range. I shot a 50 gal. barrel at about 15 feet and it made a pretty big hole in it.
Anyone want to give their opinions about that?

[madman4570]

Pitchy ,

Added a link above that might be useful on my above post before your last post.
It won't post again here.(question# 12)

[M. M. Wright]

Just like you Pitchy, I use heavy loaded 2's for HD. But mine are plastic so are a bit newer.

[Pitchy]

I`ll shoot them in my mossy 590 and see what they are for sure, i don`t have very many of them anyway.
I`m going to wait and see what others opinions are for a HD load before i buy anything.

Here`s question 12 bro, good info.

No. 12
If A Three-inch Shell Fits In My Gun's 2 3/4-Inch Chamber, Can I Fire It Safely With The Longer Shells?
The barrel of my 12-gauge shotgun is marked for 2 3/4-inch shells only, yet a three-inch shell will easily slip into its chamber. Does this mean it is safe to shoot three-inch shells in my gun?

Absolutely not. The linear dimension used to identify a particular shotshell refers to the length of its fired case and not that of the loaded round. Actual length will vary slightly among various brands of shells, but those designated as 2 3/4 inches usually measure around 2 5/16 inches before firing and 2 5/8 to
2 11/16 inches after firing. Three-inch shells usually measure from 2 1/2 to 2 5/8 inches before firing and lengthen to just under three inches when fired. Since the 2 3/4-inch chamber of a shotgun will usually measure at least that long, and sometimes slightly longer, you can see how an unfired three-inch shell will drop right into it. Firing shells of excessive length for the chamber can generate dangerously high pressures for the following reason: The inside diameter of a shotgun barrel rapidly becomes smaller just forward of the front end of the chamber in an area called the forcing cone. When a three-inch shell is fired in a 2 3/4-inch chamber, its crimp section opens into the forcing cone and in doing so effectively reduces bore diameter at that point. If the shot charge and wad column are required to squeeze through this partial obstruction, chamber pressure can increase.

[EdinCT]

Pitchy, at house lengths #2 shot will sure put a hurting on anyone looking to do you wrong. I worked with a old fellow with I was in my 20's that told me he was running fox and two big bucks went by at 20-25 yards. He head shot them with the #2 and said it was game over for both. He also told me his father was mad as heck at him for what he did. I keep #2's nearby for social work.
That said my Dad always carried a 20 ga Iver Johnson single in his truck around the farm when he was young. One of his cousins drove up and said you better follow me two of the draft horses had been hit by a car. My Dad told me he was sick when he saw the friendly horses standing on the side of the road on three legs shaking and one snapped off on both. One shot of #6 to the forehead from 6 or so feet and their suffering was over,Dad said it still bothered him years later but it was quick and what he had.

[Tumbleweeds II]

Pitchy, birdshot works better than buckshot for shooting indoors. It will blow a hole through a man that you can put your arm through (according to my great-grandfather, who saw it done), but is much less likely to penetrate sheet rock and kill a bystander. I recall a few years back when our local police killed a mad dog with 00, and also killed a little girl who was playing on the other side of a garage wall.

Different brands of plastic shells have slightly different rim sizes. You can just buy a box each of several brands of 7.5's and test drive them. I would do it at a trap or skeet range, it's more fun that way.

[Sixgun]

Pitchy, birdshot works better than buckshot for shooting indoors. It will blow a hole through a man that you can put your arm through (according to my great-grandfather, who saw it done), but is much less likely to penetrate sheet rock and kill a bystander. I recall a few years back when our local police killed a mad dog with 00, and also killed a little girl who was playing on the other side of a garage wall.

Different brands of plastic shells have slightly different rim sizes. You can just buy a box each of several brands of 7.5's and test drive them. I would do it at a trap or skeet range, it's more fun that way.

Pitchy,
I'm with Tumbleweeds on the "inside the house scenerio". Inside of 20 yards, any birdshot load will do. The problems come in when you might possibly not "get a good bead" on the perp and only wound him. When he runs and creates distance or gets behind something, the birdshot won't do any good when you want to finish him off. (yea, if he is still a threat ).

All of the experts say to use 00 as you want to kill him in any situation. Personally, I prefer 0000 buckshot.

Keep those old papers for shooting cans---I've had 'em split and blow gas all over the place. Remember, they stopped making papers (for the most part) in the early sixties. -----------------Sixgun

[Pitchy]

Thanks gents, real interesting info and storys.

Found this older box in the shed today also, on the left, and the Rem 7 1/2 are what i have in the A5 at the moment.
I`ll have to see where number 2`s are available next time i`m in the big city.



This is the buckshot that doesn`t work in the A5 very well, works fine in the Mossy 590.

[kimwcook]

I second the inside the house birdshot advice. That's what I have my sister's shotgun loaded with. Over penetration is limited as compared to buckshot. And, I don't want my sister hunting anyone down. If they come in the house I guarantee that 12 gauge w/birdshot is going to put a serious dent in anyone's day. The only shot we're allowed for work is OO buck.

[Pitchy]

Going trough walls is not a concern for us as it`s just the wife and i here and in the country.
How does number two shot compare to buckshot.

[Pitchy]

Here`s the answer to my question, i took them apart to compare.
The 2`s are 2 3/4 shells.

[getitdone1]

With overpenetration not a problem I'd definitely go with 00 buck or a light, fast slug. A faster slug should do more damage than a slower one on a human. That's what my jugs filled with water indicate.

Not nice to think about but whatever kills best, rather than wounds, is what you want. Assured penetration, when possible, is what you want.

Don

[Tycer]

Box o' Truth : http://theboxotruth.com/docs/bot3.htm

[Pitchy]

Good article Tycer

This is what i got today, Fleet Farm had 4 buck for 4.29 a box so that`s what i got, i like the idea of having a few more pellets even though it doesn`t penitrate quite as good as 00 buck.
Also got a small slip on Limbsaver that fit perfect on the shortened stock.

[madman4570]

Pitchy,
I have got to find it somewhere???
But there is a big article that did massive testing on what (the most damaging shell to be used against a human being)conducted by the FBI for self defense situations pertaining to the standard 2-3/4" 12 ga

I was thinking(probably the Winchester Supreme 2-3/4 12ga that carries (12) 00 buck pellets????????????

Was surprised with what they said was most damaging ??????

Number 1 Buck

Will see if I can locate it ?????????

However would think what you got would do the job???????

[Nath]

Then there is the other thing!

it can sometimes help if the two legged pred was downed with something you hunt with regular as opposed to something bought in special like!

N.

[ollogger]

i have in my 870 first up is a no. 6 - BB & the rest is 4 Buck
i never use the gun but shes by the bed ready to go


ollogger

[Gobblerforge]

I too am a fan of #4Buck. It will take care of anything I'm likely to encounter here in Ohio.
Gobbler

[Pitchy]

Got a sling swivel cap and screw for it and made a sling from a old belt.
YeeeeeHaaaaaw