what is the difference between a 2&3/4 and 3" shotgun shells and what to use for what?

Answer 1

The 2nd two answers you have are correct. I would like to add to them. As a shot shell re-loader and hunter, I can tell you that if you are hunting quail,doves, grouse, rabbits or pheasants, go with a low base 2 3/4" #6 shot. The low base gives you a much denser pattern while the high base blows the center out of it. Follow the advice of the others on the 3" or 3 1/2" shell.
When using a shotgun for deer without a slug gun, load 2ea. 2 3/4" magnum loads with double or triple 0 (00,000) shot & follow with two rifled slugs bigbair70 (Never let them see you sweat.)

Answer 2

these are the lengths of the shells and are representative of the amount of shot that the shell can hold. 2 3/4 shells are the standard shotgun shell, and are used for target shooting, some hunting, most shotgun slugs are 2 3/4" shells. There are also 3" and 3 1/2" inch shells. These allow a heavier shot load per shell. These are more commonly used to hunt turkeys and waterfowl where you are looking for much larger numbers of pellet counts, and most commonly these are magnum shells (have higher weights of powder, are more powerful) Also buckshot loads are usually available in 3" and 3 1/2" shells. These are used for home defense, deer hunting in some areas of the country, etc.

Answer 3

The 3 inch is usually reserved for the magnums allowing both more powder and shot.
Plus in weapons design if it does not state 3 inch DON’T USE IT
On the barrel it should state 2 ¾ (is exclusive for 2 ¾ only) where as 2 ¾ -3 inch will work with both either or.
But evolution affect all and now we have the 3 ½ magnums even more room for powder and shot.
Some claim that the Feather weight shot guns chambered for this 3 ½ Super Magnum Kills at both ends!
3 and 3 ½ are commonly used for extended range on Ducks, Goose and Turkey.
But with some creativity the options for application are mind boggling.

Answer 4

I imagine that you are talking about a 12 ga. shot gun. The longer the shell, the more power it will have, and the more it will hurt your shoulder. 2&3/4" shells are all you need for most things but if you are hunting dear, turkey or most waterfowl you want the most power that you can get. You can do most of your practicing with the cheaper 2&3/4" shells but it is important to know how the larger ones paint on a target befor you go hunting.

Answer 5

1/4 inch

Answer 6

1/4th of an inch

Answer 7

The longer shell just have more pellets.