Are 12 ga shells, 2 1/2” long, available?
- Thread starter orpington
- Start date
RKRCPA
Member
Supply is sporadic at best. Reloading is the best option for a steady supply if you can find suitable components.
chiefs-special-guy
Member
I have always been able to find them, although prices are usually very high. Almost all English guns have 2 1/2 inch chambers, so shells are available. The last few years though have been very trying for ammunition supply of all kinds.
illinoisburt
Member
If you have a challenge finding the 2-1/2 there are plenty of shorter mini-shells these days which could work fine in a double.
** Plenty of 2-1/2 on ammoseek, but it is a bit costly
** Plenty of 2-1/2 on ammoseek, but it is a bit costly
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Any links?
illinoisburt
Member
This should get you started. I see the mini shells (1-3/4) at local stores fairly often. It may just be a current fad for getting extra shells into pump guns but it does give a nice option for folks with shorter chambered doubles. I don't recall ever actually seeing 2 or 2-1/2 on a store shelf, just 2-3/4 and longer before the minis came around.
entropy
Member
RSTshells.com
These are loaded specifically for older short chambered guns that have been assessed as OK by a competent gunsmith.
The modern mini shells are not, they are loaded to the same level as a Trap shell, (1150 fps) with a slightly lighter shot load (15/16 of an ounce). I have broken clays at the 20 yard line with them. (In a modern O/U)
These are loaded specifically for older short chambered guns that have been assessed as OK by a competent gunsmith.
The modern mini shells are not, they are loaded to the same level as a Trap shell, (1150 fps) with a slightly lighter shot load (15/16 of an ounce). I have broken clays at the 20 yard line with them. (In a modern O/U)
Would this work?
A bit pricy, but I only intend to fire a box of shells in this shotgun 3 or 4 times a year.
12 Gauge - 12 Ga. • 2" • Paper Roll Crimped • Vel. 1150 • 15/16 oz. Load - Case #BG.12.2.PLT.15/16.Case
#BG.12.2.PLT.15/16.Case - 12 Ga. • 2" • Paper Roll Crimped • Vel. 1150 • 15/16 oz. Load - Case
www.rstshells.com
A bit pricy, but I only intend to fire a box of shells in this shotgun 3 or 4 times a year.
entropy
Member
Yes. Basically the same velocity and payload as the mini-shells, but verified safe for old guns that have been given the OK by a competent gunsmith.
RKRCPA
Member
Upland Game Classic | Baschieri & Pellagri
baschieri-pellagriusa.com
B&P trying to fill the gap.
entropy
Member
Thank you RKRCPA! Nice to know there are other options available.
RKRCPA
Member
The loaded shell will fit the chamber, the problem is the fired shell will not. How much that will raise pressure, I don't know. Modern 2 3/4" loads could be well in excess of the service pressure your gun was designed for.
.45Coltguy
Member
Hmmm. 2.75" shotgun shells, whether 12 or 20ga are actually 2.25" as you buy them in a box. They are 2.50" when fired[crimp is now open].
This has always kinda bugged me why they're called 2.75" shells. Measure some, you'll see.
Sorry, no help with OP's question.
This has always kinda bugged me why they're called 2.75" shells. Measure some, you'll see.
Sorry, no help with OP's question.
I’ve never actually measured them.
IF that’s the case, it seems they should be A Okay.
Thoughts?
entropy
Member
Length-wise, yes. Not necessarily pressure wise. The shells RKRCPA and I recommended are loaded specifically for older guns, including Damascus barreled guns. They produce pressure levels in the 5500-7000 psi range vs. 8000-11000 psi of regular shells.
RKRCPA
Member
A 2 3/4" shell will be 1/4" longer than the 2 1/2" chamber when it is fired. This will cause a constriction in the forcing cone resulting in an increase in pressure.
Soonerpesek
Member
The 3 I have are pretty close to 2.75" after firing.........................................hmmmmm........
I suppose we could call 'em 2 11/16" shells...............................
Just me.....................but I don't think I'd fire a 2 3/4" shell in a 2 1/2" chambered shotgun.....................
X62503
Contributing Member
Carl N. Brown
Member
I have a little Lee Loader for 12ga.
If I needed 2.5" shells for a old double barrel shotgun, I would be tempted to trim 3" empties to 2.5" and Ioad them using an over shot card.
I also get the impression a lot of British/European shotguns chambered for 2.5" shells were proofed at black powder pressure levels.
If I needed 2.5" shells for a old double barrel shotgun, I would be tempted to trim 3" empties to 2.5" and Ioad them using an over shot card.
I also get the impression a lot of British/European shotguns chambered for 2.5" shells were proofed at black powder pressure levels.
This should get you started. I see the mini shells (1-3/4) at local stores fairly often. It may just be a current fad for getting extra shells into pump guns but it does give a nice option for folks with shorter chambered doubles. I don't recall ever actually seeing 2 or 2-1/2 on a store shelf, just 2-3/4 and longer before the minis came around.
I’ve shot some of the minis - between Aguila and Federal you can get slugs, #4 buck, and #7.5. They are fun in older guns and don’t kick hard in a single barrel. There are some 2.5” shells occasionally available from Midway, Grafs, Natchez, etc. Sign up for in stock notifications.
.45Coltguy
Member
I agree^^^. Proof is in the pudding.The 3 I have are pretty close to 2.75" after firing.........................................hmmmmm........
View attachment 1196211
I suppose we could call 'em 2 11/16" shells...............................
Just me.....................but I don't think I'd fire a 2 3/4" shell in a 2 1/2" chambered shotgun.....................
steveus101
Member
This^. I have ordered 20 ga Vintager ,2.5" low pressure for a 1923 Ithaca double, and they are death on snipe and quail. But I'm not sure if Polywad survived the Covid pandemic. The last time I called there was no answer. Hope they are back, they deserve another call. Great to deal with. Located in Roberta, GA.
Mosin77
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2019
- Messages
- 1,585
Came to say this too. I bought a number of boxes for an old English double. They performed well.
