12ga x 2 1/2 "

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Kevan

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I'm not sure if this has been discussed before, but I have a fine old Webley & Scott 12 ga. with 2 1/2" chambers and I'd like to reload for it.
Have any of you shotgunners out there ever tried loading for a 2 1/2" gun ?
 
Hi, a first timer here. Regarding short hulls, check Ballistic Products Inc, they've got quite a selection of non-standard supplies including loading data. I can't speak from experience with their products but I've heard positive feedback. Website is www.ballisticproducts.com

Cheers
 
How old is the gun and does it have nitro proof marks, is it damascus barreled? Either way, you can reload shells with out a press or fancy equip., simply cut 12 ga. hulls down to 2 1/2" and reload with smokeless or BP. My 2 1/2" is damascus and I reload by hand Black powder shells either brass, paper or plastic.
 
Kevan,

Welcome!

If the gun is sound, you can use 2 3/4 inch shells loaded to 2 1/2 inch preassures.

There has been much written on this subject in recent years. "The Double Gun Journal" is the most appropriate source of info, another great source is http://doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

Keep in mind that 2 1/2 inch guns are usually light, and will punish you with anything over 1 to 1 1/8 oz loads.

Enjoy that old timer.

Mark
 
bearman is exactly right kevan. be sure the 2 3/4" casing is shortened to its proper length , or it will open into the forcing cone of the 2 1/2" chambered gun, rising pressures to a dangerous level and giving you a poor pattern.
 
Kevan

Cut back 2 3/4'' hulls work great but you will find it hard to get a wad short enough to crimp with a 1oz load. The solution is find an old roll crimper at a gun show and a 3/4" hollow punch to make your over shot cards and a bag of 1 1/4oz wads and your of to the races. I roll crimp all my 2" and 2 1/2" loads and have exellent results, for cutting hulls I use a plastic tubing cutter and put a piece of wood dowel inside the hull and then just spin the hull against the blade and you have nice a evenly cut hull. If you try to crimp shortened cases you have to skive the hull mouth to thin it enough to crimp and I find it a pain in the butt plus the lack of case volume sucks. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
 
I have to say a very hearty thank-you to each and every one of you for all the tips, the info and offers of help.
You might find this hard to believe but I've been a handloader of rifle and handgun ammo since 1963 and in that span of time had very little experience loading shotshells. Not only that I have two shotshell loaders and never used them, and for all I know maybe they won't be of any use for loading the 2 1/2"
I checked with Epps so we might start with proper loads to see how the old gun handles.
Again, Thanks Fellas I really appreciate all the replies.
Cheers...and a Happy 2008 to All....
 
Gamebore ammo is generally available from anyone in your area who handles Kent.

The Gamebore "Pure Gold" 28 gram ( c. 1 oz.) 65mm ( c. 2.5") is designed specifically for old English guns and is a pure delight to shoot. 12 gauge - 2-1/2" loads are also available in 30 ( 1-1/16 oz.) and 32 gram ( 1-1/8 oz.) variations. Loaded with hard "Diamond" shot & depending on the specific load, either a fibre or plastic wad. The 6 point plastic hulls are reloadable. Haven't tried to reload any of the 2-1/2" papers, however. The 12 gauge is all in British size 6 or 7 ( lead, game loads).

Their 16 ga. (plastic hull) offering is one load only - 28 gram, in sizes 3,4,5 or 6. In 20 gauge, (all plastic-hulled) both 28 & 30 gram loads are available, in sizes 3,4,5, 6 & 7 ... the fibre wad variety is available only in sizes 6 & 7 in 28 gram and in 5,6 & 7 in the 30 gram.
 
Mark is right about recent testing showing 2 3/4" shells only increasing the pressures by 200-300 psi in 2 1/2" chambers. Some fairly extensive testing using barrels with pressure testing sensors at several points , including just after the forcing cone, showed little pressure increase contrary to popular belief. An excellent series of articles called "Finding Out for Myself" in the Double Gun Journal written by Sherman Bell details the testing. The articles also have good load data for both lengths of shells. I shoot 2 1/2" and low pressure 2 3/4" shells in my 2 1/2" guns without any problems. In my guns the 2 3/4" Winchester AA low recoil/low noise at 6000 psi feel like they recoil less, are more comfortable to shoot, and are easier on the wood than the Gamebore 2 1/2" Pure Gold shells. They are lower velocity but fine for trap. Everyone has to make their own decision, but with my guns I'm comfortable with the low pressure 2 3/4".
 
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