A hundred years ago the standard American 16-gauge paper shell was 2 9/16 inches. But, you could get 2 3/4, 2 7/8, and 3-inch 16-gauge shells. Just had to order a thousand. From the factories in those days the long shells didn't carry a heavier payload, just more and better wadding. From my readings I'm sure many an old Nimrod hand loaded his long shells a lot hotter then the factories did.
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