RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

I just bought a Remington 11-87 with 3.5" chamber. I went with the 3.5" mainly because I am going to be hunting turkeys with it. But even if I dont always shoot 3.5's out of it...I always CAN if I need to.

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

TomyD
I did`nt make any kind of statement about killing birds at extreme ranges,or that the 3 1/2 kills bird`s 20 yrds farther than a 3". I have hunted long enough I don`t need any lecture on hunting ethics or killing ranges! I simlpy stated it WILL kill birds that are out of range of the standard 3",only makes sense. Even if you only gain the 5 yrd`s you state,that is still 5 extra yrds for a" KILLING SHOT" on a flareing bird! The simple fact is a 3 1/2 carries more shot & delivers it at greater speed,so it will provide more knock down power no matter the range! My standard way to load is 3" first then the 3 1/2 for EXTRA RANGE, it a option that you don`t have with a standard 3" chambered gun!!

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

Well me ein a newbie at this i bought my BPS in a 3.5 just from a stand point that i got it on sale at the same price of the 3". Just thought what the heck? If i ever wanna shot the big loads i can, ive found that the 3"ers seem to work fine within range and im poor so all i shoot is steel. i guess im tryin to say is............everyone to there own ;)

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

I'm no ballistics expert but I think a 3" mag will shoot harder than a 3.5 for the simple reason that you have the same amount of powder pushing a smaller load of shot. But I will also say I shoot 3.5" guns and shells because it's a personal preference that bigger is better and I might need those extra BB's to hit what I'm shooting at.

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

Chincy,
Maybe they make 3.5" shells differently for waterfowl than turkeys, but 3" shells go faster & hit harder down range than 3.5" The 3.5" has more shot, but the increase in shot weight is not proportional to the increase in powder. That kind of stress on a gun will wear it out faster. Go to your local range, and pattern 3" & 3.5" shells on paper. You may be in for a surprise.

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

Looking at the ballistics chart, I'd say the speed/hitting power "advantage" of 3" is, at best, nominal. The 3 1/2", 1 3/8 load moving at 1550 looks like a hell of a goose load to me. http://www.kentgamebore.com/public/products/fasteel.asp

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

The extra payload in the 3.5" is worth it for turkey and waterfowl, not to extend range, but to provide a more dense patern for cleaner kills. Dead is dead anyway you look at it, last I checked. The 3.5" just makes more birds dead for me than wounded. Last year i shot 3.5" exclusively for ducks and geese and had my best season with kill percentage.

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

well guys thanks for the info , i think im gonna get a 3.5 super x2 or a browning gold

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

Both very good choices, best of luck!!

RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
 

In response to the 1 3/8 oz loads moving at 1550 fps, kents fasteel loads and federals speed shok loads both work awesome for ducks and geese. I used both last fall and their performance was awesome compared to standard steel loads.