After reading a lot of threads through out this site, it seems like a lot of us are reccomending a longer length shotshell when we make gage and load reccomendations to hunter/shotgunners asking questions regarding the best loads for 12gage shotguns.<P>Example: If you buy the 12ga. 870pump, be sure to get the 3in Magnum or better yet, the 3.5in magnum.<P>If it's true, and a lot of shooters agree, and good ones to boot , when you shoot a 20ga, stick to the 2&3/4in. 20ga shotshells not the 3in Mags!<P>Reasoning is: The patterns become less efficient with the longer shot column length of the 3in mag. You actually get a better pattern at longer ranges with the standard shotshell due to shot deformation etc. And they just make your gun kick harder.<P>Taking it a step further, the Brittish, shotgun builders to the Queen and experts in the design of shotshells, tell us that the 12ga. 2.5in shell loaded with 7/8ths to 1.0oz of shot at moderate velocity, is the most efficient/effective shotshell for the 12gage.<P>Any more shot added to the optimum shot column length of any given gage actually decreases it pattern effectivness at hitting targets on the wing, and it's more exaggerated at longer ranges.<P>If all above is true, why are we telling everyone to get bigger, longer, and faster loads in the 12ga. This does not compute?<P>Maybe it's just magnum madness again, if more is good, is even more, better?
