Quick Answer
3.5-inch shells offer a slight velocity increase, potentially improving range and penetration, at a higher cost per round, making them a worthwhile investment for serious hunters who prioritize longer shots and heavier game, but less necessary for casual shooters.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
When comparing the cost of 3.5-inch vs 3-inch shells, it’s essential to consider the added value of the extra 0.5 inches. In general, 3.5-inch shells cost around 10-20% more than their 3-inch counterparts. Given the average cost per round is around $0.90 for 3-inch shells, the incremental cost of 3.5-inch shells would be around $0.09 to $0.18 per round. For a 10-round box, this translates to an additional $0.90 to $1.80.
Ballistic Performance
The increased length of 3.5-inch shells translates to a velocity gain of around 50-100 ft/s, depending on the specific load and firearm. This may not seem significant, but it can make a substantial difference in terms of effective range and penetration. For example, at 100 yards, a 150-grain bullet traveling at 2,100 ft/s has around 1,200 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, while the same bullet traveling at 2,200 ft/s has around 1,300 ft-lbs. This additional energy can be crucial for taking down heavier game, such as deer or elk.
Practical Considerations
While 3.5-inch shells may offer improved ballistic performance, they also require a specific firearm chamber and magazine length. Not all handguns or rifles are compatible with 3.5-inch shells, so hunters need to ensure their firearm meets the necessary requirements before investing in the longer shells. It’s also worth noting that the increased length of 3.5-inch shells can make them slightly more difficult to handle and store, particularly in smaller firearms or magazine capacities.
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