Source of 2.5 inch 12ga shells?

A

Aabradsh

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Hey guys

I'm considering buying an old SxS that has a 2 1/2" chamber. Reason being; I'm looking to get into a good quality old double and 2 1/2" guns seem to yield a lot higher quality per asking price (for obvious reasons). It seems like I can get a much better gun, with much nicer wood, for a fair bit less, if I'm willing to settle for the odd-ball chamber length.

Now, this would be generally just for use grouse hunting. I don't plan on taking this out skeet shooting and blasting through a hundred shells at a time with it. So price of the ammunition is less of a concern. If I have to buy a whole case of shells, I am willing to do that. I could always get a shotgun shell press once I shoot through them, to allow me continued access if need be (I've handloaded for my rifles for years now).

My main question is: where might be a good source for these? I'd likely be looking for #7.5 or #8 shot, in whatever load weight they typically come in. Any information or advice on these loads would also be appreciated. I live and mostly hunt in Eastern Ontario, if it makes a difference.

Thank you
 
If you reload you can get a roll crimper and make 2.5" shells , though it is a much slower process than regular loading. I load them for my 1923 Parker in deference to its age and 2 5/8 chambers.

L3PjlAu.jpg


Here's the roll crimper I made
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Also, an alternative is to load brass cases.
They work very well. And can be loaded with a bare minimum of hand tools .
I load both black powder and smokeless in brass for several different shotguns.
Cat
 
Another vote for the Challenger shells at Ellwood Epps. They are 7/8oz loads, so lower pressure for the older guns, and are plenty for Ontario grouse.
 
There is no reason 2 3/4" cases can't be used in a 2 1/2" chamber.

The notion of using smokeless loads in old Damascus barrels freaks me out. Loading your own BP ammo is really the way to go. I have not tried shortening the hulls with a roll crimp but that seems like a decent idea to consider.
 
burns k31 said:
A third option would be to use mini shells.

I also have my eye on buying a nice 2.5" gun.
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To my understanding, Mini shells are just as powerful as full length shells and wouldn't be appropriate for a 100+ year old shotgun. That they fit into the chamber is not proof they are safe to shoot.
 
I Dont Care About You said:
There is no reason 2 3/4" cases can't be used in a 2 1/2" chamber.

The notion of using smokeless loads in old Damascus barrels freaks me out. Loading your own BP ammo is really the way to go. I have not tried shortening the hulls with a roll crimp but that seems like a decent idea to consider.
Click to expand...

The solution is to load low pressure smokeless powder loads .
700X, PB, 7625. Red Dot , etc., all can be used to make low presure loads of 6,000PSI and less and slightly slower than 1,200FPS with a 7/8 oz load .

Recoil is another factor for older guns, the wood can sustain severe damage from excessive recoil, and contrary to popular belief one does not need a heavy recoiling load to kill birds with a shotgun.
Cat
 
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iron cat said:
Tge jeu is to load liw pressure smokeless powdsr l9ads .
700X, PB, 7625. Red Dot , etc., all can be used to make low presuure loads of 6,000PSI and lessand slightly sloeer ygan 1,200FPS with a 7/8 oz load .

Recoil is another factor for older guns, the wood can sustain severe damage from excessive recoil, and contrary to popular belief one does not need a heavy recoiling load to kill birds with a shotgun.
Cat
Click to expand...

Amen Brother!
 
I have a wood block that’s 2.5” thick with a hole in it that fits a 12ga plastic shell. You just trim it off with an olfa knife and you have a 2.5” shell to load. Used a roll crimper and over shot card and your all set. I trim all my shells this way.
 
Upland28 said:
In Ontario

https://ellwoodepps.com/challenger-classic-double-shotshells-12-ga-2-1-2-7-8-oz-7-5-25-rd.html

https://ellwoodepps.com/challenger-classic-double-shotshells-12-ga-2-1-2-7-8-oz-6-25-rd.html
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Pinfire said:
Another vote for the Challenger shells at Ellwood Epps. They are 7/8oz loads, so lower pressure for the older guns, and are plenty for Ontario grouse.
Click to expand...

0faustus0 said:
Ellwood Epps will ship, yes! Ordered ammo from their web site many times.
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F Elwood Epps. Unless you enjoy supporting a traitor helping to confiscate firearms for the government.
 
tula said:
I have a wood block that’s 2.5” thick with a hole in it that fits a 12ga plastic shell. You just trim it off with an olfa knife and you have a 2.5” shell to load. Used a roll crimper and over shot card and you're all set. I trim all my shells this way.
Click to expand...

Nice idea.
 
If you check on line there appears to be a number of shot shell hull trimmers you can purchase to trim down your 2 3/4 hulls.

I recall a number of years ago seeing an article in a Outdoor DIY book on how to make one yourself. Check out this video for a very simple one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIxKN-J3Ruk
 
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I Dont Care About You said:
To my understanding, Mini shells are just as powerful as full length shells and wouldn't be appropriate for a 100+ year old shotgun. That they fit into the chamber is not proof they are safe to shoot.
Click to expand...

Fair.

I was not thinking of damascus barrels as all the 2.5" guns I've been looking at, are not.
 
There is a fast, easy way to convert factory 2 2/" ammo to 2 1/2".

Buy a 16mm tile hole drill bit. I buy them on ebay, shipped from China, at about $3.00 each.
MIjhdEm.jpg


This bit will cut the folded pie crimp out of the mouth of a shell. leaving the folded edge, which holds the plastic wad column in place.

Then place a cardboard wad on top of the shot,
IXjT47f.jpg


and seal with white glue.
FbcaHUJ.jpg
 
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