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Joined: 13 Apr 2017 Posts: 150

I have read that the reason behind three inch 16 ga. Shells was better fiber wadding. This was in the old days. Can anyone tell us how the longer shell would allow improved wadding? I believe the extra room would allow more wads. Thanks in advance.

Joined: 07 Jun 2020 Posts: 228

Not sure wadding was the reason, the normal reason given is greater payload

I looked at the box of Remington 3in 16ga shells in my collection and note nothing about wads, just an emphasis on the wet proof coating. I also note they are 1oz loads, so it was not to stuff more shot into them, at least in that case.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2350 Location: West MI

Maybe more or different wadding = potentially less shot deformation all else equal ????

Timely post…

An older fellow at my club gave me a tin of loaded 16 ga paper rounds, all sirts of brands & configuration. In it were 3 shells that are approximately 2-5/8” long crimped, Remingtons. Was wondering at first if they could be 3”, but thinking not after measuring.

Regarding wadding, I would think more wadding would both reduce shot deformation as well as provide a better seal for higher velocity, but not sure at all.

Very interesting subject.

Joined: 16 Jul 2015 Posts: 2126 Location: Hudson,Wy

Wadding was the original reason for longer hulls/chambers. The 3" shells typically carried the same shot charge weight. The longer wad stack reduced ignition setback (which still is the chief cause of pellet deformation and was then too, even compared to bore scrub) to improve patterns.