Difference between 3" and 3 1/2"

**Sask boy** · 09-02-2005, 07:41 PM

I sent message earlier regarding purchasing a new Benilli and after reading back I noticed that I had a spelling mistake on my browning.
I have shot 3" steel for just a few years as we did not have to use it up here. We can still use lead for upland game most of the time we use 2 3/4" except when we go for pheasant then I use 3" lead.
I was wondering how much difference there is between the 3" & The 31/2 " regarding range and knock down power.
Most of the time I do not have to worry as we use field decoys but sometimes we do some pass shooting during mid day and then go back to the decoys for the evening shoot.

**tucker301** · 09-02-2005, 08:18 PM

The 3.5" loads simply carry a larger payload than do the 3". Same velocities, but more pellets delivered to the pattern. This equates to more pellets delivered on the target, presuming the aim is good

**r-teej** · 09-04-2005, 01:03 AM

You'd have one sore arm after a day of 3.5'' lead shooting...

If you're shooting lead I can't see why you'd want anything bigger than a 3''. It's when you're shooting steel and you can hear the shot hitting feathers and the geese are still flying, than it's nice to have the extra load.

**Sask boy** · 09-04-2005, 09:27 AM

Originally posted by r-teej:
You'd have one sore arm after a day of 3.5'' lead shooting...

If you're shooting lead I can't see why you'd want anything bigger than a 3''. It's when you're shooting steel and you can hear the shot hitting feathers and the geese are still flying, than it's nice to have the extra load.

**Sask boy** · 09-04-2005, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by r-teej:
You'd have one sore arm after a day of 3.5'' lead shooting...

If you're shooting lead I can't see why you'd want anything bigger than a 3''. It's when you're shooting steel and you can hear the shot hitting feathers and the geese are still flying, than it's nice to have the extra load.

**Sask boy** · 09-04-2005, 09:45 AM

Hey r-teej I sent you a private message check it out and e-mail.

**Webfoot** · 09-13-2005, 04:19 PM

I'm curious to know:

How often do those of you who have the capability to shoot 3.5 shells use them? And what do you generally use them on? (ducks, geese, turkey, etc)

Thanks

**mudhen** · 09-13-2005, 07:21 PM

I use 3.5" in the wind so I can get more large pellets on the bird.

Also, I use 3.5" Winchester ER's for turks, they pattern much better than the 3" WER.

mudhen - CA

**tucker301** · 09-13-2005, 08:17 PM

Webfoot,
I use 3.5" exclusively on geese and turkeys.
I'll also use 3.5" on late season high-flying ducks on big water.

**bluedavis** · 09-15-2005, 08:04 PM

When you jump to the 3.5 shell you can either increase the payload or the velocity. I'm starting to think that the increased velocity is the way to go. Even at 30 yards I see a difference in knockdown power between 3 and 3.5 shells. I don't like chasing ducks on the water.