3" shells in 2 3/4 chamber?
 

i have a browning 525 sporting clays gun and would like to use it for waterfowling. i have read that it is ok to use 3" shells in a 2 3/4 chamber as long as there is room for the shell to expand when fired. is this bad advice?

I won't take the chance

have the forcing cone removed and it won't hurt a thing, however if its a pump or semi it may not feed worth a crap
RR

More than likely your 525 could fire them. BUT NOT WITHOUT ALTERATIONS to the chamber by a competent smith. Without lengthening the forcing cone as RR suggested your shotgun's area ahead of the existing chamber will exhibit a spike in pressure from the mouth of the longer shell/wad/shot charge passing through. It could in all likelyhood cause you at the very least a barrel bulge.

i think i will either buy some 2 3/4 ammo or dig out my old SBE

i think i will either buy some 2 3/4 ammo or dig out my old SBE

A wise course of action. Get the correct ammo for the gun. Sporting guns are made for sporting loads

If you just gotta tote your trusty O/U clay-buster in the field, cheapest thing is to get 2.75" steel shells. You might have to look around a bit for them, but they're out there. Also make sure you use chokes that are rated for steel shot.

Personally, I think the SBE is the way to go. Now, taking your 525 to a dove shoot...good fun!

Yes - It's bad advise !

2 3/4" in 2 3/4" chambers

3" in 3" chambers

3.5" in 3.5" chambers


Just take the damn gun duck hunting with the # shot (steel if required) appropriate for the type of shooting you are going to be doing (pass shooting, wing shooting or hunting over decoys).

Shoot them in the head whenever possible................. dead bird !

If you feel that you must shoot your sporting gun, buy some 2-3/4" non-toxic, hevi-shot, and enjoy the shooting.