Are shells hard to find for 20ga. 2.5" chamber gun? Can they be reloaded? Can the chamber be lengthed safely? Do they hit as hard and pattern as good as 2.75"? If there is anything else I should know about them please let me know. Iam looking at one posible purchase. Thanks for any help.
20ga. 2.5"
- Thread starter rthook
- Start date
They are not too hard to find, but not often in stock. Gamebore makes them, but you usually have to order them and wait (sometimes months).
Yes, but you have to make a setup for the short hulls.
Sometimes a chamber can be lengthened, sometimes not depending on the wall thickness at the front of the chamber. I don't recommend lengthening chambers as there is really no need.
Yes.
Look for nitro proof! Some 2 1/2" guns were black powder only. Be aware that many English or European guns in 20 gauge were built for women or children and have short stocks.
Sharptail
Last edited:
- Location
- Kawartha Lakes area of Ont
20 gauge shells are not commonly available in this country and they will be more expensive, probably incuring shipping costs.
Reloading is certainly possible.
Some short chambered 20 ga. guns were built heavily enough to be re-chambered, but even so will probably not withstand "high velocity" express loads for long , especially old wood stocks.
With equivalent shot charge and choke they will perform just as well as a 2.75" gun.
Just consider that most short chambered guns you come across in this country will be 75 years old and made for lighter charges than are generally thought necessary today. If that seems to be what you want, you can get a beautiful light fast handling gun - but not one also adaptable to heavy charges or steel shot for waterfowl.
Cheers,
Bob
Reloading is certainly possible.
Some short chambered 20 ga. guns were built heavily enough to be re-chambered, but even so will probably not withstand "high velocity" express loads for long , especially old wood stocks.
With equivalent shot charge and choke they will perform just as well as a 2.75" gun.
Just consider that most short chambered guns you come across in this country will be 75 years old and made for lighter charges than are generally thought necessary today. If that seems to be what you want, you can get a beautiful light fast handling gun - but not one also adaptable to heavy charges or steel shot for waterfowl.
Cheers,
Bob
