12 ga 2 1/2"

[azflyman]

Anybody out there have a reliable source for 12ga 2 1/2" shotgun shells? Anyone reloading? I just picked up an English "best" 12 bore (as they say) and need to find a good source of ammo. The gun is a carry all day, point like your finger, sweeeeet SxS that I want to shoot allot but I am having a hard time locating what I need.

az

 

[berettashotgun]

try ballistic products, will say the obvious- you might have to roll your own.......

 

[TN Shooter]

Ballistic Products might have some loaded ammo (probably Fiocchi).

I buy the 2.5" hulls (Cheddites) from Grafs and roll crimp my own loads.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Polywad and Gamebore both carry 2.5" loads. So does Galazan at Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company. None are cheap.

MEC will set up most of their loaders for the short cases.

Just for our information, what make of "Best" gun?....

 

[TrapperReady]

I've previously purchased short 16ga shells from Westley-Richards. They also carry a variety of 12ga and other ammo.

 

[azflyman]

Thanks for all the help. I do plan to "roll my own" so the source for the hulls is very welcome news. I have a MEC 650 so I hope to get a die set for the shorties or another press (like I need another) if I have to get the whole tamale.

Dave - How did I know you would ask?

I purchased a Hussey, Ltd. It was re-stocked by John Foster (John Foster Gunworks) in 1990 due to a wrist fracture (from the info given). Mr. Foster sleeved the barrels at that time as well. It dates from 1883-1884. It retained most if its case color and is in excellent condition. The previous owner before the importer of the gun had owned the gun since 1960. It weighs about 6 1/2 lbs. It is nitro proofed at 3 tons and is chambered in 2 1/2". It has 27" barrels and is choked Mod, 1/4 (Sk1 or IC depending on the reference). I went to look at two shotguns this gentleman had; one for $1,000, and another for $1,400. This gun was substantially more but it was love at first sight and it fit me perfectly. I threw it up and I was looking straight down the barrel seeing only the bead. Perfectly centered on the rib. I guess this is the first shotgun I have ever held that really, really fit me. I knew I was screwed right then and there. He threw in a well used 100 year old leather covered, brass cornered, strapped case.

I will post pics as soon as I take some. I may just link them as they may be a bit large.

az

 

[Dave McCracken]

I recall seeing one Hussey, handled reverently by its current owner and used well at SC. Classic game gun, elegant of line and superb balance. Hussey's output was miniscule, but few shotguns were made better.

Please do some pics, thanks....

 

[azflyman]

I will post pics. I look at that gun and almost weep. This can't be normal

az

 

[Dave McCracken]

Normal's a word I seldom use. Enjoy your Hussey.....

 

[Dave McCracken]

I had something nagging at the back of my mind, so I searched a few catalogs.

Precision Reloading, Inc. carries adapter plates and bushings to enable someone to load shorter shells. One such will let one load 2 1/2" shells on a 2 3/4" set 500 JR, Sizemaster or Steelmaster single stage press. Cost is about $30.

HTH.....