I used to load 2 1/2" 12 ga loads by cutting down 2 3/4" hulls and using an overshot card. running through my MEC grabber I ended up with a good crimp with and opening in the center which was covered by the overshot card. Easy. Several years ago I got out or reloading and recently started up again, only this time I loaded 3/4 oz and skipped the cutting down stage. Lo and behold I couldn't get the 3/4 oz wads so I bought 7/8 oz and figured no problem, I would order some over shot cards and cut hulls down. I am sorry $13 to ship a baggy of overshot cards just pissed me off. I figure there has to be an alternative.
