mustad

Hi,

I've been using my Benelli M1 Super 90 3" 12 guage for a few years now. My only problem really lies in the fact that it's a wooden stock and hunting with it in the water has caused the stock to swell and contract when it gets wet and dries out again. So, I'm contemplating getting something with a synthetic stock.

Given that, I was wondering what you guys thought about the 3.5" shells. Do you see an advantage with them over 3"? Where is that advantage? Speed? Quantity of steel? Do you see any major differences with recoil compared to 3" shells?

I looked around HN and couldn't find this subject. So, if it's already been covered, my apologies.

Cheers,

Dev

Some will say it doesn't matter. I for one shoot everything with 3.5". I shot 3" for years and shot 3.5" one day and will never go back. The 3.5"had more hitting power as far as I'm concerned. I've reached out there a good ways and dropped birds. I also shoot a Benelli SBE II. Try one. You'll love it.

80 proof

The big advantage that i see in the 3.5 inch shell is more pellets in the kill zone, but you can also do the same thing with a good choke and patterning your shot. Im sure you can find an aftermarket synthetic stock for the gun you have. All that being said i really dont do any of the above, just try to gettem real close where it really doesnt make a difference.

Gundigest

I love my SBE II and with the comfortech a 3.5" kicks like a 3". I only use 3.5s for geese and I use them some for ducks. You definitly have more pellets in that extra .5".

MtnGuy75

Im a relitive newcomer to waterfowling, just puttin my third full season to rest. And i use 3.5" exclusivly for goose hunting. But i tend to stick to 2 3/4 or 3" with ducks and teal and such. 3.5" BB Kent fast steel just wrecks a Canadas day

Adirondack Hunter

i would think that the 3.5s would have alot more knockdown power, longer ranges, and easier kills at closer ranges.

plainsman

3.5'S give a denser pattern, with the right load.It doesn't increase your killing range....just gives a better pattern at that range.I use 1 3/8 for geese and it slams them cold. Speed is a huge factor....I don't shoot anything under 1550fps.

wooderson15

If your debating on buying a 3" vs a 3.5" magizine i would recomment getting the 3.5". Then if you still want to shoot the 3" sheels you can but if you want to go after geese or something late season you will have the option of the 3.5". I have an 870 supermag and i only use 3.5" shells near the end of the season or for geese. I have no problem dropping birds with the 3" shells so if your only goin after ducks it's a matter of preference.