The issue with short shells (or, for that matter, 2 3/4" reloads with reduced velocity) is that they do need to make the gun work. You will almost certainly find that European shells--most of which we see in this country are heavier and/or faster field loads vs target loads--will probably work. Your own reloads? You need to play around. I could not get the new Sweet 16 to cycle with RST 3/4 or 7/8 ounce loads. Worked fine with the 1 oz loads.