Magnum Ammo Question...

[ZeppoFan68]

I just bought a box of Federal ammo that is 2 3/4 00 Buck. The box says Magnum on it. I just wanted to know if I can shoot these out of my stock 870 Tactical. I'm pretty sure it will shoot any 2 3/4 or 3" shells, but I'd like a second opinion on this because I don't have a Magnum receiver on my gun. Thanks in advance.

[Hntbambi]

Yes you can shoot them in your gun. The old 870s had the ejector in a different place (moved back) to handle the 3" hulls. While you can put a 3" barrel on the non-magnum receiver, they will not eject the 3" shells without taking the barrel off. This basically made it a single shot.

If you measure your ammo, you will find that the 2 3/4" loads are about 2 1/2" long. The 3" loads are only 2 3/4" long when loaded. The length is measured on the empty hull.