doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Options for shells in 2 1/2" chamber guns

I too find RST's too expensive - that's why I shoot Polywad Vintagers.

http://www.polywad.com/vintager.html

Not sure why more on here don't use or recommend them.

Clapper,
The RST's that I use are the 2 1/2 papers in the 1150 fps speed range. I wasn't aware of the problem with the Falcons and the ultras, thanks for the tip.
Karl

Don't take my word for it.
Buy $20 bucks worth and decide for yourself.

It's kinda like shooting #10's at woodcock. Some people like that.

Clapper,
Your advice does sound correct, as you have used them. As far as 10's for woodcock, I used to use 5 & 8 1/2's but after taking a couple of long pokes at them this season, 7's seem like a good idea!
Karl

I was surprised in Cabelas yesterday to see 2.5 inch shells by Herters, but the only load appeared to be OO Buck!

I use 7/8's oz #7.5, just because I use that load all the time. Safe to use in every 12 I own.
This year's prospect. My Shadow Oak Bo grandson.

I need to have a certain confidence in the loads I shoot, and, they have to be safe for all my damascus shotguns.
But not 20 different flavors.

When I test patterns and observe my breaks, and then shoot some libbies, I get a pretty good feeling on what works for me. Some of the vintage loads are pretty anemic, even with 7.5's.

Everyone else's mileage may vary of course.

Mark, you've seen me shoot an awful lot. All of my guns are short chambered and I always reload 2 3/4" hulls. Never shorter. And these are in guns from 1869 to between the wars. So far I've still got all my pinkies. Need I say more?

Thanks Joe, and I've seen you break more than a few targets too! 👍

Thank you, have been looking for some inexpensive 12 gauge 7/8 ounce light loads
Mike

I have one of Bo's Grand daughter's:



That Bo pooch gets around, no?

I'm surprised nobody mentioned that 2 3/4" shells loaded to specs that fall below the service proof for the gun are fine to use. I did run the Winchester low noise low recoil 7 1/2 loads in my MacNaughten, with good results on grouse and woodcock, back in the day. That tip came from Kirk Merrington, but, it would be wise to find a stouter load, or, gun, or, both for pursuing ditch parrots when it is really cold.
I don't think Kirk ever hunted pheasants in late December in MN, or, the Dakotas.

The older I get, the less tolerant I am of going on Easter egg hunts for ammunition.
French triple proof, at 70 or 75, or anything else out of Europe at 2 3/4", or 3" is my friend.

My 2 1/2" chamber guns are all gone.

Best,
Ted