Can You Shoot 2 3/4″ Shells in a 3″ Chamber? | What to Know

Technically, you can shoot 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shells in a 3″ (76.2mm) chamber, but it is recommended. This is because the 3″ chamber is designed for slightly longer shells, which means there’s a greater risk of the shell slipping out of the chamber and causing a misfire.

This article will explore the pros and cons of firing 2 3/4″  (69.85 mm) shells from a 3-inch chamber so you can decide what’s right for you.

What Is the Difference Between a 2 3/4″ Shell and a 3″ Shell?

The main difference between a 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shell and a 3″ (76.2mm) shell is the amount of smokeless gunpowder in them. You get more powder in a 3″ (76.2mm) shell, which means more power. However, the difference isn’t huge, and it’s not worth risking a misfire.

You can also put more pellets in a 3″ (76.2mm) shell, which is helpful if you’re trying to take down a large animal. The extra shots give you a better chance of hitting your target, and the increased power means they’ll do more damage when they hit.

At the same time, 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shells have a higher velocity than 3″ (76.2mm) shells. This is because there’s less weight in the shell, so it can accelerate faster. The higher speed means that the pellet will retain its energy for longer, which is useful if you’re trying to shoot at a target farther away or moving fast.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Shooting 2 3/4″ Shells in a 3″ Chamber?

The main advantage of shooting 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shells in a 3″ (76.2mm) chamber is that you can save money on ammunition. On the other hand, the smaller shells pose a greater risk of misfire and have less power than the bigger shells.

How Can You Make an Informed Decision About What’s Right for You

The best way to decide whether or not to shoot 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shells in a 3″ (76.2mm) chamber is to identify what you will be using the shotgun for. If you’re only going to be shooting at targets close by, use the 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shells. For more long-range shooting, use 3″ (76.2mm) shells.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to practice with your shotgun so you’re familiar with how it works. That way, you’ll know how to deal with every situation.

Some expert shooters recommend using a 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shell in a 3″ (76.2mm) chamber if you’re shooting at moving targets. That’s because the extra power of the 3″ (76.2mm) shell can make it difficult to hit a moving target, so the 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shot will give you a better chance of hitting your mark.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, if you’re unsure about what to do, use 3″ shells in your shotgun. That way, you won’t have to worry about a misfire ruining your day. I’ve had one too many close calls with misfires, so I always err on the side of caution.

Are There Any Other Factors To Consider When Choosing Shells?

When choosing shells, you also need to consider the type of shotgun you will be firing them from. Some shotguns only take shells recommended by their manufacturer. So, make sure you check the instructions before buying ammunition for your shotgun.

Keep in mind that your selection of shotgun will itself be influenced by its intended use.

If you’re only going to be shooting at targets close by, a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun will be fine. However, if you’re planning on doing significant amounts of long-range shooting, you might want to consider a bolt-action or break-action shotgun.

If you are a hunter, you must also consider what kind of game you will be hunting. Different animals require different shotguns, so make sure you choose the right one for the job. For example, a gun you use for deer hunting may not be ideal for shooting clay pigeons.

In short, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing shotgun shells. However, as long as you consider what the shells will be used for, you should be able to make the right decision.

Will the 2 3/4″ Shells Damage My Gun?

2 3/4″ shells will not damage your gun unless you are using a larger shell than the gun can handle. Most shotguns are designed to be able to shoot both 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) and 3″ (76.2mm) bullets without any problems.

While the chances are slim, there is a possibility that 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shells could damage your gun. This would be the case if the shells are larger than the maximum size recommended by the manufacturer of the specific gun you use.

On the other hand, using a 3″ (76.2mm) shell in a 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) chamber will definitely damage your gun by causing the shells to get stuck in the barrel. This could cause serious damage to the weapon, and it’s not something you want to happen.

It’s also worth noting that some shotguns are designed for use with only one type of shell. Some shotguns can only shoot 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shells, and others can only shoot 3″ (76.2mm) shells. 

The best way to tell this is to ask other gun owners what works for them before testing any ammunition on your rifle. The last thing you want is to damage the gun or end up with a nasty injury.

Final Thoughts

The issue of whether or not to shoot 2 3/4″ (69.85 mm) shells in a 3″ (76.2mm) chamber is complex, and there are many factors to consider. 

However, as long as you know what you’re doing, you should be able to make the right decision for your needs. Just be sure to practice with your shotgun so you’re familiar with how it works. That way, you’ll be prepared for any situation.

For more, check out 2 3/4 vs 3 Inch Shells | Which Should You Choose?