doublegunshop.com - home
Posted By: BrentD, Prof reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 06:04 PM
Does anyone reload 12 gauge 2" shells? I am curious about it, and I find only 2 loads on Hodgdon's sight, zero recipes on Alliant's site, and a search of this forum turns up very little on 2" at all in the last few years, nothing to do with reloading. BPI and Precision Reloading do not list any 2" hulls, and I don't think they have any special wads for them either.

Is this strictly reduced inventing one's own recipes and cutting down longer plastic hulls and reloading with hand tools and fiber wads? I have an old press that I was thinking I might convert to loading 2" hulls, but what's out there for recipes and components?
Posted By: KDGJ Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 06:57 PM
Brent,

GLS was loading 2” shells a few years ago. You may want to PM him. I don’t know if he’s still finding components. I’m still using RST shells and hoping they can source components before my supply runs out.

Ken
Posted By: old colonel Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 07:02 PM
I have found looking at 7/8 loads it is possible to find one that will fit a roll crimped 2in trimmed hull.

When unable to find 2.5 loads, I found many 1 oz and 1 1/8oz 2.75 loads that fit roll crimped 2.5
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 07:19 PM
Originally Posted by old colonel
I have found looking at 7/8 loads it is possible to find one that will fit a roll crimped 2in trimmed hull.

When unable to find 2.5 loads, I found many 1 oz and 1 1/8oz 2.75 loads that fit roll crimped 2.5

A 7/8 oz load would work for me. But yesterday, someone showed me a 2" gun proofed for 1 1/8 oz. I don't know how that could possibly fit, but someone did it. What powder and wad did you use?
Posted By: Parabola Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 07:45 PM
I assume you are using a 2” chambered gun, and will need to bear in mind that many of them as built (and passed proof) had relatively thin wall thicknesses.

When, Pre-dating the 2 inch chamber, short cartridges such as Lancaster “Pygmies” were tried in longer chambers shot balling sometimes proved to be an issue.
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 08:14 PM
Originally Posted by Parabola
I assume you are using a 2” chambered gun, and will need to bear in mind that many of them as built (and passed proof) had relatively thin wall thicknesses.

When, Pre-dating the 2 inch chamber, short cartridges such as Lancaster “Pygmies” were tried in longer chambers shot balling sometimes proved to be an issue.

I'm not using anything right now. I am looking around to buy one, however. I would not shoot 2" in a longer chamber - not point in that, at least for me. But a 5.5# 12 gauge with 7/8 or 1 oz load of shot for grouse - that has possibilities and gives me a reason to surf the gun auctions. smile

I am planning on going to Tulsa for the first time in April. Perhaps I will find one there. If so, I would like to know how to load for it, before I lay down a lot of cash.
Posted By: GLS Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 08:23 PM
Ballistic Products has a short shells brochure that is one's for the asking. It lists several loads in 3/4 oz. and 7/8 oz. using International, Green Dot, Fiocchi hulls, various BP in stock components. I've shot them for the past 3 seasons successfully at woodcock and quail I have also loaded Cheddite paper hulls that I trim down. The Fiocchi cut down hull is a dam bioch to roll crimp. The Cheddies are a dream to roll crimp and I get at least 3 reloads out of them. There was a proof house dispute over what the short 12 should be proofed. My two guns were proofed for 7/8 oz. Some were done at 3/4 oz. and some at 1 1/8 oz. They were proofed in the white and some believe that once back to the gunmaker they were filed more on the outside to reduce weight. Skimin & Wood made guns in the white finished out by other makers. I have a Hellis and a Skimin & Wood finished out by a no-name maker. The Hellis's barrels were marked J.A., Joseph Asbury, one of the top barrel makers in his era.
One gunsmith I know has a 2" Dickson made by Dickson. It is a rarity. The walls are thin, but in proof, and it's his favorite game gun. Lagopus is a knowledgeable resource about the species. If anyone desires the BP brochure, pm your email address. It's a PDF so it has to be emailed rather than pm'd. The 2' chamber can't accept 2.5" loads They won't fit unfired. Gil
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 08:31 PM
Gil, I would love to see that brochure. My email is brentd@iastate.edu.

Hodgdon's loads list International powder and WinAA hulls. I didn't see where it mentioned crimp style, but it may have. Seems like straight walled hulls and roll crimping would be advantageous though.

I have no interest in pushing the envelope on these loads, but I don't know where the envelope ends. I'll have to search a few other load sources, but I can imagine I may be sending some loads to Tom Armbrust. That's okay.
Posted By: Researcher Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 09:13 PM
The vintage Remington Shur-Shot 2-inch 12-gauge shells I've seen were 3/4-ounce of shot.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
Posted By: KDGJ Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 09:25 PM
Brent,

Here’s an old link on 2” gun proofs 2” proof. If you have the DGJ (Spring 1996--Vol Seven Issue 1) it is a good discussion on the 2” gun proofs.

Ken
Posted By: KY Jon Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 10:01 PM
When I sold my 2" I gave the new owner my loading notes. I did not give him any loaded shells. My favorite was Federal Paper hulls, cut down and loaded with felt and card stock, then roll crimped. They were very cute little bundles. Those I had left over got shot up in a couple 2 1/2" guns I had on hand long before I heard about the clumping issues. My luck held and no ill effects came of it. But I would not do it again and I also would not shoot any factory ammo from Lyavlale. My fillings and guns do not need any stress testing.

I guess I have just come to the conclusion that a 2" 12 is in the same basket as a 24 or 32 gauge. Nothing that different to them when other guns are so close in performance in the 2 1/2" 12, 24/28, 28/32/.410. But different guns to fill a itch is fine for me, my itch has passed.
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 10:05 PM
Originally Posted by KY Jon
When I sold my 2" I gave the new owner my loading notes. I did not give him any loaded shells. My favorite was Federal Paper hulls, cut down and loaded with felt and card stock, then roll crimped. They were very cute little bundles. Those I had left over got shot up in a couple 2 1/2" guns I had on hand long before I heard about the clumping issues. My luck held and no ill effects came of it. But I would not do it again and I also would not shoot any factory ammo from Lyavlale. My fillings and guns do not need any stress testing.

I guess I have just come to the conclusion that a 2" 12 is in the same basket as a 24 or 32 gauge. Nothing that different to them when other guns are so close in performance in the 2 1/2" 12, 24/28, 28/32/.410. But different guns to fill a itch is fine for me, my itch has passed.

What powder did you use to scratch that itch?
Posted By: L. Brown Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 10:50 PM
The British eventually approved a lighter proof for 2" 12's. I believe that was about the same time that they changed from the 1925 proof rules to the 1954 proof rules. (The "tons" rules.) Found the reference. Here it is, from Vic Venters' book "Gun Craft", from former Birmingham proofmaster Roger Lees: "In general, it may be said that under the new rules of proof (reference to 1954 rules) no arm will receive a more severe proof than hitherto. Some, such as the 12 bore 2 inch and 4 and 8 bore guns, will now receive a less severe proof than they received heretofore."

More recently, when Arrieta made some 2" 12's, those guns were given a heavier proof than British 2" 12s. The guns themselves were also heavier, weighing as much as some light British 2 1/2" 12's.
Posted By: Borderbill Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/18/23 11:43 PM
I've been working on 2" loads for not quite a year now. I bought at auction a 2" Arrieta a while ago. I've run all my tests with Precision Reloading testing. What I've found is cut down reifenhauser plastic and Federal paper (haven't tried Remington or Fiocchi paper but Winchester is a no go) are the the best, couldn't get AA formed hulls to work. The powders that Ive tried have been Green Dot, Bullseye, Clays and Titewad. The best results I've had so far is using Clays with Ballistic 12x12 gas seal and a 3/8" wad with either 6 point fold or roll crimp, both 7/8oz. and 3/4" oz. Bullseye is also very good but a lot dirtier. The average pressure/velocity I get with Clays is: 7267/1233, 7/8 oz 6pt. fold; 5498/1233 3/4 oz. 6 pt. fold. With Bullseye: 7795/1199, 7/8 oz. 6 pt. fold. The roll crimps reduce the pressure only very slightly on average and a very sight increase in velocity. It's about a horse apiece between roll and star crimp and I use one or the other depending on the bulk of the powder. I found that Green Dot and Titewad and Green Dot give give overall higher pressures for the same velocities than Clays or Bullseye.
In trying to get a full fiber load I tried .135 and .200 nitro cards and 3/8 wads. All were inconsistant but Clays showed promise. By using a 1/2" wad with the nitro card I got a better seal. I've just sent out to Precision some plastic and paper hulls using Clays and fiber components...we'll see.
Posted By: KY Jon Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/19/23 03:22 AM
I loaded Clays, AS30N, the Australian version. The current powder from Canada, APS350, is slightly different I am told. I never loaded plastic hulls, just Federal paper and roll crimped them all. At the time I had about 30,000 Federal paper hulls and I thought a paper hull was more fitting for a 2" double. I would trim them in lots of 50 when my 2 3/4" hulls started to have their end fray but before they started pinholes above the brass. I tried Bullseye and did not mind the dirty bore but they seemed louder. If I had to load today I might look at 20/28 or Winchester 572 loads. They would require testing but I have a lot of respect for those powder in lighter loads.
Posted By: skeettx Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/19/23 03:30 AM
Loads listed here for 2 inch

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

But I like Red Dot and 7/8 ounce shot

Mike
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/19/23 03:38 AM
Originally Posted by skeettx
Loads listed here for 2 inch

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

But I like Red Dot and 7/8 ounce shot

Mike
Yes, I know those two. It was the first place I looked. But it's not much to choose from the powder is not available now, and may never be. The wad????

I was surprised that 2" isn't even mentioned on Alliant's website. It is going to be a deeper dive than I expected, but seems like it will be doable in the end.

I like Red Dot a lot. There may will be others.
Posted By: lagopus Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/20/23 05:37 PM
Brent, most 2" chamber guns were made in the 1930's. When they first came out the Proof House insisted on the same Proof Charge as for 2 1/2" chamber guns hence the early ones showing 1 1/8th.ounce on the marks. Eventually, the Gun Trade and Proof House reached a compromise and Proof Tested them for a lighter load. They were never intended to shoot anything more than 7/8th. ounce loads. I do load and use Vectan AS powder which may not be available to you. Here in the U.K. Lyalvale make ammo but they have plastic wads and can also be a bit smart on recoil. Luckily Eley still make them with a nice felt wad and are much easier to shoot. They are fast handling guns that give very good patterns. It would be hard to find one made new now unless someone could find an old action that had been lying about in some old Gunmaker's cupboard and could be finished. They can be sourced second hand and often fetch a premium price over longer chambered guns. I am pleased to own a little 2" chambered Tolley. These guns weigh around 5 1/2 pounds. Lagopus.....
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/20/23 05:43 PM
Originally Posted by lagopus
Brent, most 2" chamber guns were made in the 1930's. When they first came out the Proof House insisted on the same Proof Charge as for 2 1/2" chamber guns hence the early ones showing 1 1/8th.ounce on the marks. Eventually, the Gun Trade and Proof House reached a compromise and Proof Tested them for a lighter load. They were never intended to shoot anything more than 7/8th. ounce loads. I do load and use Vectan AS powder which may not be available to you. Here in the U.K. Lyalvale make ammo but they have plastic wads and can also be a bit smart on recoil. Luckily Eley still make them with a nice felt wad and are much easier to shoot. They are fast handling guns that give very good patterns. It would be hard to find one made new now unless someone could find an old action that had been lying about in some old Gunmaker's cupboard and could be finished. They can be sourced second hand and often fetch a premium price over longer chambered guns. I am pleased to own a little 2" chambered Tolley. These guns weigh around 5 1/2 pounds. Lagopus.....


Thanks! I have been learning quite a bit more about them now. I'm not sure I'll ever find one that fits me, my pocketbook, and my tastes, but I can only look. After a bit of searching and lots of help from numerous folks, I think I can reload for one. A quick handling gun with a good pattern is just the ticket for grouse, which are becoming a major hunting interest.

I was hoping they would fetch a minimal price due to the odd ammo requirements. I could look for a similarly light and quick 20 or 16, but I really like the idea of a skinny 12 for some reason.
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/20/23 06:19 PM
My 1936 Hellis 2" is proofed for 7/8oz. but the guy I got it from gave me a bunch of RST's that are 15/16oz. So far so good....
Posted By: GLS Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/20/23 06:20 PM
Originally Posted by L. Brown
The British eventually approved a lighter proof for 2" 12's. I believe that was about the same time that they changed from the 1925 proof rules to the 1954 proof rules. (The "tons" rules.) Found the reference. Here it is, from Vic Venters' book "Gun Craft", from former Birmingham proofmaster Roger Lees: "In general, it may be said that under the new rules of proof (reference to 1954 rules) no arm will receive a more severe proof than hitherto. Some, such as the 12 bore 2 inch and 4 and 8 bore guns, will now receive a less severe proof than they received heretofore."

More recently, when Arrieta made some 2" 12's, those guns were given a heavier proof than British 2" 12s. The guns themselves were also heavier, weighing as much as some light British 2 1/2" 12's.
Larry, rules were relaxed before 1954 whether by official act or by a wink and a nod. Some 2" 12 gauge guns from the 1930s were proofed a 3/4 oz. and my two guns from the late 1930s were proofed at 7/8 oz. Gil
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/20/23 06:21 PM
Originally Posted by Recoil Rob
My 1936 Hellis 2" is proofed for 7/8oz. but the guy I got it from gave me a bunch of RST's that are 15/16oz. So far so good....

Those of you that have one, please feel free to post lots of pictures of them. I don't get tired of looking at nice shotguns. I doubt anyone else does.
Posted By: KY Jon Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/20/23 07:52 PM
It took Grafs two plus years to sell the “popular powders” they bought from Noble(vectan). No doubt they could sell more right now but once the current shortages pass they would be stuck with them for a prolonged time. I tried two different numbers and it worked well. Not magical, but loaded fine. The only loading information I have ever seen in the US has been for 2 3/4” shells. Nothing 2 1/2” or 2”. It loads and burns about the same as American Select. Unfortunately we all know how difficult finding Alliant powders can be. A large wholesaler near me has gotten exactly one moderate size order in 18 month and has been told to not expect anything above very minor orders for a year. So buy what you can find has become the way of life for reloaders.

Last I heard a Grafs was not interested in importing anymore. Seems they were asked to import more choices than they wanted to stock and struggled to move even the more versatile numbers. I can’t say I blame them. Buying an entire line just to get the best sellers sounds like a way to not make money.
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 01:46 PM
Originally Posted by BrentD, Prof
Originally Posted by Recoil Rob
My 1936 Hellis 2" is proofed for 7/8oz. but the guy I got it from gave me a bunch of RST's that are 15/16oz. So far so good....

Those of you that have one, please feel free to post lots of pictures of them. I don't get tired of looking at nice shotguns. I doubt anyone else does.


I'm getting too old to do the picture hosting shuffle, here's a link to a file..

Chas. Hellis

Hellis research was kind enough to provide the following...

"Thank you for your enquiry for Hellis gun number 4135. I am happy to help.

Gun number 4135 is described in their sales ledger as a 12 bore double barrelled A & D ejector with 26" barrels, 2" chambers and 2 triggers (rel ej 12 / 2" ).

It was built and placed into stock on the 31st of October 1936 and sold in November of the same year to Wilson for £25. This model was named by the company as the Reliable

Hoping this information is of some help to you, "

And you're correct, great gun to carry for grouse/woodcock.
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 01:58 PM
Rob,
That's a really nice gun. I imagine it is as sweet to shoot as it is to look at.


Since Skimin & Wood seem to be responsible for so many of the 2" guns, among all Vintage 12x2" guns out there, what proportion of them are boxlock vs. sidelock? Other than a couple of off the charts Purdey's I think I have only seen boxlock guns so far. Are sidelocks super rare down here below the stratosphere?
Posted By: GLS Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 02:32 PM
Originally Posted by Recoil Rob
Originally Posted by BrentD, Prof
Originally Posted by Recoil Rob
My 1936 Hellis 2" is proofed for 7/8oz. but the guy I got it from gave me a bunch of RST's that are 15/16oz. So far so good....

Those of you that have one, please feel free to post lots of pictures of them. I don't get tired of looking at nice shotguns. I doubt anyone else does.


I'm getting too old to do the picture hosting shuffle, here's a link to a file..

Chas. Hellis

Hellis research was kind enough to provide the following...

"Thank you for your enquiry for Hellis gun number 4135. I am happy to help.

Gun number 4135 is described in their sales ledger as a 12 bore double barrelled A & D ejector with 26" barrels, 2" chambers and 2 triggers (rel ej 12 / 2" ).

It was built and placed into stock on the 31st of October 1936 and sold in November of the same year to Wilson for £25. This model was named by the company as the Reliable

Hoping this information is of some help to you, "

And you're correct, great gun to carry for grouse/woodcock.

Your gun appears to be a twin to my Hellis. (although mine is a BLNE, not a BLE like yours) Don't know if you know this but in your last photo the one of the barrel flats, there appears to be the initial "J.A." marked on a barrel. Joseph Asbury is regarded to be one of the best barrel makers of this era and made barrels for many gunmakers. My 12 ga. H. Atkin and 16 ga. Arthur Ilsley, as well as my Hellis, bear his mark. This was pointed out to me by our friend in the UK, Lagopus. Will you give me the Hellis contact info via PM so I can learn more about mine? Thanks. Gil
Posted By: Parabola Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 02:49 PM
Holland and Holland made side-lock 2” guns in both their full sidelock Royal self-opener and in their back lock Dominion gun in the 1930’s.

I think one (or both?) was branded the Centenary Gun.
Posted By: AGS Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 02:54 PM
Since this gun will obviously be used for birds, I would find 2-1/2" light 12 ga loads in 7/8 oz, reduce the shot to 3/4" and roll crimp them in 2". If they are around 6000 psi before, the 3/4 oz will be lower.

I have often thought of 2" guns, but I have several English doubles in 12 ga that weigh slightly less than 6#. I find it so much more convenient to shoot 3/4 and 7/8 oz loads in these with 2-1/2" hulls that the idea no longer appealing. What you are doing is shooting a normal English 16 ga upland gun, which is a little more trim and easier to carry in cover.
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 02:57 PM
Originally Posted by Parabola
Holland and Holland made side-lock 2” guns in both their full sidelock Royal self-opener and in their back lock Dominion gun in the 1930’s.

I think one (or both?) was branded the Centenary Gun.

Yes, there are 2 on GI right now. One is a Royal and the other a Dominion. Sadly, both a bit more than I want to spend.


The cheap one
https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...ide-by-side-shotgun.cfm?gun_id=101970227

And a more normally priced one
https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...ide-by-side-shotgun.cfm?gun_id=101484985
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 02:58 PM
Originally Posted by GLS
Your gun appears to be a twin to my Hellis. (although mine is a BLNE, not a BLE like yours) Don't know if you know this but in your last photo the one of the barrel flats, there appears to be the initial "J.A." marked on a barrel. Joseph Asbury is regarded to be one of the best barrel makers of this era and made barrels for many gunmakers. My 12 ga. H. Atkin and 16 ga. Arthur Ilsley, as well as my Hellis, bear his mark. This was pointed out to me by our friend in the UK, Lagopus. Will you give me the Hellis contact info via PM so I can learn more about mine? Thanks. Gil

I have correspondence from a few years ago from a member here about Asbury.
Posted By: KDGJ Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 04:02 PM
Originally Posted by BrentD, Prof
Originally Posted by Parabola
Holland and Holland made side-lock 2” guns in both their full sidelock Royal self-opener and in their back lock Dominion gun in the 1930’s.

I think one (or both?) was branded the Centenary Gun.

Yes, there are 2 on GI right now. One is a Royal and the other a Dominion. Sadly, both a bit more than I want to spend.


The cheap one
https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...ide-by-side-shotgun.cfm?gun_id=101970227

And a more normally priced one
https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...ide-by-side-shotgun.cfm?gun_id=101484985

Brent,

Those guns are priced pretty high. I’ve seen a few dominions in the $7k price range and Royals in the $20k range—still not inexpensive. Graham MacKinley had a 2” Dickson RA a few years ago that weighed 5lbs 15oz (not much lighter than some 2.5” RA). Also, WR made some 2” guns.

Ken
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 04:04 PM
The man who got me my 2" had a lovely WR 2".
Also, 28"bbls. command a premium though I like my 26" in heavy cover.
Posted By: Remington40x Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 08:54 PM
Years ago we had a member in the club at which I shoot who was a former NBA guard (not a name anyone would recognize - sort of an end of the bench player) who was about 6' 6" and shot a British side by side of a make I no longer remember with 28 inch barrels and a very long (like 16") length of pull. I cannot imagine where he could have found it, but the gun and especially the shells drew a crowd every time he used the gun. Even with the very long stock, it was well under six pounds. I was fascinated by the gun and thought seriously about trying to find one (of more normal dimensions), but never pursued it. I ended up with a 6 pound 3 ounce Ferlib 12 gauge with 70cm barrels instead that works quite well for my "carry all day, shoot once or twice" gun, particularly with 7/8 or 1 ounce loads at about 1150 fps.

That being said, if someone were to offer to give me one today, I wouldn't turn it down.
Posted By: Borderbill Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 09:19 PM
Poulin Auctions Spring 2022 auction had 20 some 2 inch guns. Most with cases from England and Scotland. The average sold price was around $2065. Two John McPherson & Sons had 28" barrels and a bunch had 27".
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 09:24 PM
Originally Posted by Borderbill
Poulin Auctions Spring 2022 auction had 20 some 2 inch guns. Most with cases from England and Scotland. The average sold price was around $2065. Two John McPherson & Sons had 28" barrels and a bunch had 27".

Boy, I missed the boat there.
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 10:35 PM
Never seen so many in one place......I wonder if they came from one collector.

https://poulinantiques.hibid.com/catalog/362822/spring-2022-firearms-auction/?q=2%22+12+bore
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/22/23 10:57 PM
Originally Posted by Recoil Rob
Never seen so many in one place......I wonder if they came from one collector.

https://poulinantiques.hibid.com/catalog/362822/spring-2022-firearms-auction/?q=2%22+12+bore


Whoa! That's a bit of sensory overload. I love them all. I especially love that Curry. Definitely I am late to that party...

I thought Poulin's was a lower tier auction house. I was just wrong about that.
Posted By: GLS Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 10:54 AM
Were the "realized" prices inclusive of the buyer's 17.5% bump? Gil
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 02:39 PM
Since some of the prices included cents I would assume so.
Posted By: KDGJ Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 06:08 PM
I called, it includes the buyer’s premium but not the 5% sales tax. I also think with ~20 2” guns for sale at the same time, the prices were a little depressed vs. selling 2or 3 2” guns at a time. There were some nice 2” guns sold on that day.

Ken
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 06:13 PM
Originally Posted by KDGJ
I called, it includes the buyer’s premium but not the 5% sales tax. I also think with ~20 2” guns for sale at the same time, the prices were a little depressed vs. selling 2or 3 2” guns at a time. There were some nice 2” guns sold on that day.

Ken


I've been looking at that collection of guns for quite a few hours now. If that auction was upcoming, I'd be at a loss to how to bid or even choose a favorite.

Interesting to me, is that there were no sidelocks.
Posted By: Steve Helsley Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 06:30 PM
I got the Powell (Lot 2201). It came from an American collector.
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 07:10 PM
Originally Posted by Steve Helsley
I got the Powell (Lot 2201). It came from an American collector.

Congratulations! How do you like it?

With all the really nice guns in this collection, what made you pick the Powell?
Posted By: GLS Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 07:46 PM
Steve, nice gun. Brent, the Arrietta was a sidelock and the highest priced and weight. I know one isn't supposed to buy the name, but oh, my, the more expensive Dickson...the name and the gun in one. It is my understanding that less than 20 were made. Ken, I believe you are correct about the high number of 2 inchers being sold. Not everyone wants one, and with 20 to chose from? Gil
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 10:07 PM
Originally Posted by Steve Helsley
I got the Powell (Lot 2201). It came from an American collector.

Do you know if they were all from the same collector?
Posted By: Borderbill Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 10:20 PM
There was another sidelock among the bunch. R. Halliday, presumably number one of a pair
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 10:22 PM
I just took a quick tour through them and half look to be from the same maker as my Hellis, the ones with the block letter gold inlay on the rib FOR 2 INCH CASE ONLY".

Interesting, Dickson lot 2148 is proofed for 1-1/8oz. yet only weighs 5-5 with 27" barrels.

That Curry is nice though.
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 10:34 PM
Originally Posted by Recoil Rob
I just took a quick tour through them and half look to be from the same maker as my Hellis, the ones with the block letter gold inlay on the rib FOR 2 INCH CASE ONLY".

Interesting, Dickson lot 2148 is proofed for 1-1/8oz. yet only weighs 5-5 with 27" barrels.

That Curry is nice though.


I have a hypothesis that the rather blocky, somewhat unattractive gold lettering, is on guns that originated with Skimin and Wood making the bare bones of the gun and then selling them off to other makers to finish.
Posted By: GLS Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 11:09 PM
Originally Posted by BrentD, Prof
Originally Posted by Recoil Rob
I just took a quick tour through them and half look to be from the same maker as my Hellis, the ones with the block letter gold inlay on the rib FOR 2 INCH CASE ONLY".

Interesting, Dickson lot 2148 is proofed for 1-1/8oz. yet only weighs 5-5 with 27" barrels.

That Curry is nice though.


I have a hypothesis that the rather blocky, somewhat unattractive gold lettering, is on guns that originated with Skimin and Wood making the bare bones of the gun and then selling them off to other makers to finish.
Here's a man who lives in Asia that has an S&W depicted which bears the same warning:
https://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=356006&page=1
Posted By: Recoil Rob Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/23/23 11:49 PM
I tend to agree as I believe S&W made the Hellis guns.
Posted By: Steve Helsley Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/24/23 03:35 AM
The Powell weighs 5lbs 7oz with 27-inch barrels and a 14 7/16" stock.

I chose it because I collect Powells - and of course, I like it.

I believe that most, if not all the 2" guns, were from the same collector.

The gun was originally sold on 14 October 1942 for £52/10.

Peter Powell told me that while he worked at the bench, they made a couple of 2" guns.

I suspect that my gun came from S&W or some other external source.
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/24/23 03:54 AM
Originally Posted by Steve Helsley
The Powell weighs 5lbs 7oz with 27-inch barrels and a 14 7/16" stock.

I chose it because I collect Powells - and of course, I like it.

I believe that most, if not all the 2" guns, were from the same collector.

The gun was originally sold on 14 October 1942 for £52/10.

Peter Powell told me that while he worked at the bench, they made a couple of 2" guns.

I suspect that my gun came from S&W or some other external source.

Well, I am envious. The wood is wonderful. The drop would be pretty hard for me to fit as I like about 2.5" at the heel, but the length is great. The itch to have one of these 2" wonders grows a bit more every day. I'm thinking a 12 2 will be close to ideal for grouse hunting. Not sure I want to try it on pheasant though

Do you hunt with it? .
Posted By: KDGJ Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/24/23 02:06 PM
Brent,

I hunt wild pheasant and quail with my 2” gun. I hunt over setters so the shots are within 20-30 yards. I use RST 15/16 oz loads of #5 or #6. If I hunt with a 2 1/2”, the load is 1 oz so not much difference in the lead charge. Good luck on your search.

Ken
Posted By: Calgary Bill Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/24/23 08:03 PM
I was fortunate to purchase a 2" 12 gauge last year. I had never seen one but the opportunity arose and I made a quick decision to add it to my collection. It is marked "Kimball Arms Co Woburn Mass", "for 2 inch case only", "Grade A", "Made in England" and "20th Century".
There is little doubt that the gun was made by Skimin & Wood as the gun's serial number falls in line with the numbers used by that maker for the year 1937.
It weighs 5 lb 3.3 oz, has a LOP of 14 1/8", 27" barrels choked modified and full and proofed for 7/8 oz of shot.
I loaded a handful of shells about a month ago using a conservative amount of 7625 powder and 7/8 oz of shot together with a plastic shotcup with the petals clipped off, and a rolled crimp. When the weather improves I will give the gun a go at some clay targets.
I have a picture ready to post but can't figure out how to do it. Hopefully, another day.
Bill
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/24/23 08:42 PM
Bill (and anyone else) email me pictures and I'll post them.

Brentd@iastate.edu will work
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/24/23 09:49 PM
I've got two sets of pictures to post.

First, Ken's H&H at work in Kansas. Pretty handsome dogs, Ken! I loved hunting KS back in the early 80s.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

And then Bill's Kimball. Really nice looking gun, Bill.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


Any more? Post them or send them to me and I will get them asap.

Brent
Posted By: KDGJ Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/25/23 12:08 AM
Brent,

Thanks for posting the pic. Kansas has been tough hunting the last 5 years. This year I got lucky. The Gordon is now 10 and the Red is now 3.

Btw: it’s an H&H 2” instead of a Powell.

Ken
Posted By: BrentD, Prof Re: reloading 12 gauge 2" - 02/25/23 12:17 AM
Sorry about the missed ID.

I wonder if pheasants are easier to kill with an H&H. smile

Certainly, you are a better shot than me. I often need that second barrel and the birds get out there. I'm pretty slow on the trigger.

I hunted KS in the 80s, but mostly ducks and some quail. I miss that state.

If you take more pictures, send them. I'd be happy to post them here.
© The DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com