Reloading question

[birddude]

For some of you reloading experts. I have a 1965 56e Beretta 20-gauge with 2 3/4 chambers. I had choke tubes put in it and have some turkey chokes ordered. As I'm trying to figure out what loads I'm going to shoot a thought accrued to me. Since a 2 3/4-inch shell is only 2 3/4 after it's fired and the crimps have unfolded, Wy can't I take a 3'' hull, reload it with a moderate powder charge, then roll crimp to 2 3/4 total length? I could then get at least another 1/8 oz, maybe more in it. Then I might be able to work up a 35–40-yard turkey load without a 3'' chamber.

 

[Weimdogman]

The 3" shells will chamber but when they go off the crimped area expands out of the chamber area into the barrel. Can create dangerous pressure. I would advise against it.

 

[Dakotazeb]

For some of you reloading experts. I have a 1965 56e Beretta 20-gauge with 2 3/4 chambers. I had choke tubes put in it and have some turkey chokes ordered. As I'm trying to figure out what loads I'm going to shoot a thought accrued to me. Since a 2 3/4-inch shell is only 2 3/4 after it's fired and the crimps have unfolded, Wy can't I take a 3'' hull, reload it with a moderate powder charge, then roll crimp to 2 3/4 total length? I could then get at least another 1/8 oz, maybe more in it. Then I might be able to work up a 35–40-yard turkey load without a 3'' chamber.

If you are insistant on shooting the Beretta for turkeys just go buy some quality 2 3/4" shells in #6 shot like the Federal Pheasant Forever shells at 1,350 fps. Pattern them using a turkey head target and see what load/choke give you the best pattern. You don't shoot that many shells while turkey hunting so why mess with trying to create a shell that could be dangerous in your gun.

 

[birddude]

The 3" shells will chamber but when they go off the crimped area expands out of the chamber area into the barrel. Can create dangerous pressure. I would advise against it.

I guess I wasn't very clear. What I meant was could I create a shell say 2 7/8 with no crimp would it be safe. I probably should stick with 2 3/4 like Zeb say's. I don't think the difference in chamber pressure is that much between 2 3/4 and 3 inch. but the spread-out crimps constricting the shot could really be a problem. I did find a couple of custom places that load a TSS 2 3/4 shell but man they are proud of them!! I patterned many 1 oz loads last year, and the Remington Nitro 4's 1 1/8 oz. The Nitro's felt like they created as much pressure as a 3'' shell! I don't really want to put the little Beretta through that. So, I'll keep searching for a 2 3/4 shell that'll give me a 40-yard turkey gun. That will be tough unless I go the TSS route.