With hevishot you could use a 2 3/4" shell. Not much use in using a 2 3/4 steel though. Also, DO NOT usea full choke with steel. My friends Browning Goldlost the end his barrel shooting an Improve Modified (slightly tighter than a modified and not as tight as a full). Bad things can happen happen when you shoot steel thru anything tighting than modified. Winchester xpert #2's and 3's in 3" or 3 1/2's are good affordable loads. I, as well of a bunch of my friends have had problems with Kent steel. If they get wet the will swell and become stuck in the chamber or they will fire and the pellets will fall out the end of the barrel because the powder is wet.