OR, you could load up a batch of low pressure and light shot charge (say, 7/8 oz) shells of 2 3/4" length, as many of us do for our 2 1/2" guns. Explain to your friend that proper loads in 2 3/4" hulls are A-OK and a lot less trouble. "Correct" length hulls is a lot less important than is proper/correct load. Proper "schoolin'" of your friend on this issue would, IMO, be the best favor repayment you could do.