280 vs 330

I am a newer trapper that has started to do more beaver trapping and would like to purchase more beaver traps. The 280’s are cheaper so I can buy more for the same price as I can 330’s.

Is there a large advantage to going with a 330 vs 280? What are some advantages/disadvantages?

Thank you!

A 330 is a beaver trap.

Spend the money on the 330's.

The 280 is also a decent beaver trap and a much better humane trap for otter which are quite often associated with beaver waterways. The 280 will also capture more rats and mink that often spring 330's without getting caught. If limited in funds I would suggest purchasing 280's to begin with.

Listen to this guy ,, he's caught a few beaver in his life

I have some 280 ,I do not use them much on beaver , I use mainly 330 on them and works on otter and also get some rats. That is when set for beaver or otter with the 330 .

I see this kind of topic for coyote traps where preference can come into play but I believe the 330 is a beaver trap and the only question might be what brand. That is where preference comes in.

I’ve used 280s for a number of years and found them more than adequate for beaver. Also make an excellent otter trap. But the 330 has its place too. The 330 fills runs better—much better. And the majority of bigger runs and scent mounds get 330s.

The Duke 330 Is a great beaver trap and It won't cost you a arm and a leg to buy a dozen. And they offer free shipping.

Use both but grab the 330's first for beaver, mostly because they do cover more area. 280's are my preferred trap at dam breaks because they will catch beaver, otter,mink,rats. caught a 61 lb beaver in a 280 at a dam break this year, not sure if he actually thought he was going to fit through it or was trying to knock it down but the 280 belisile did the job.

If it was me would buy the 280's to have more traps, it will get the job done for you and then roll the extra money from your extra traps into 330's later. More steel = more fur.

The 280’s are nice if you’re packing them much. I have a couple spots I carry six or eight 280’s instead of four 330’s. They fit in my pack better. I like 330’s otherwise. I like MB 1216’s if close to the vehicle.

Never used a 280, but they propably have their places where they would be better. I've caught a couple beaver in a 220 in spots where a 330 wouldn't fit. Usually it is the other way around though, and you are looking for a place narrow enough to fill with a 330. 330 is a great beaver trap, and I've never had a problem with them for otters, but I know a lot of guys prefer 280s for otter. Like I said, I've never used a 280, but if I was limited on funds I would buy the 330s because they fit just about perfectly in beaver runs and I know they work. I've got some Dukes, and they work fine, but be aware they are a rectangular trap rather than square like most other brands. I never use anything but handy sticks to set and brace my 330s so it doesn't matter to me. If I was to try and use them in boxes or on clips like a do some of the small bodygrips though, be aware different brands often have different measurements. I have several brands and generations of 110s, 120s, and 150s. I have to keep my boxes and brackets organized to an extent, because they aren't interchangeable.

Who offers free shipping?

Direct from Duke if the total order is at least $100 I believe.

I login to the duke website and it doesn't have anywhere I can see to purchase anything, no cart no nothing.

Check out most of the trapping magazines. They advertise real heavy what I said. Phone no. at the bottom of home page. 662 494 6767

A 280 will kill a beaver and is ok if set in certain places conducive to their size.
For example when I go out beaver trapping to set a spur line etc I will grab 12 330's and 2 280's.

Thank you everyone. I’m going to lean towards the 330 dukes, maybe the 330 bridger.

330's

Goto the nta convention. I bought new duke 280s for 10.00 for otter. 330 was 12.00 each. Alot cheaper to buy. I seen one guy buy 24 new dz 330s.

OK if you haven't figured it out yet its a combination of a couple of factors personal preference, legal methods and traps, brand, ect...... in CT i can only use 10x10 in water frequented by beaver and all body gripping traps have to be completely submerged except 110s .... some times thats impossible. Then you add in the otter problem my ottter season ends March 15 my beaver ends March 31 after the 15th I have to slide all triggers to the side so I don't get an incidental catch. Then do you get round or square do you buy Duke, Belisle, Bridger, etc. You'll find your preference. I have everything round square $5 used dukes to $35 new belisles. Its trial and error i will say this watch Craigslist and go to your local club meets make friends and they will help you i have loaned out my Comstock cages to guys thinking of buying them or to help them out this is a good community talk to the old timers in your area they will help you work this out.

If your in southern Indiana the guy that makes the rbg is located in Holland. He has other traps, lures, stretches and such also.

I'm new to trapping but used Bridger 330s and 280s this year. The Bridger 330 seems to have disproportionately small spring eyes, smaller than other manufacturers as I've read. Was kinda a pain setting. I will probably buy a diff make for this year. I liked the 280 seemed more proportional and we'll built to me, caught beaver and otter with both, spots where the 280 made more sense and spots where the 330 did. I'd carry both if I could.