Sources for 2 1/2” 12 gauge ammunition

Shako Badhan

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I recently decided to get back into shooting and hunting with vintage British shotguns. Since I have been away from this past time it seems the lighter loaded 2 1/2” 12 gauge ammunition has become very hard to come by in the US. A strange fact given they are wildly available in Canada and the UK.

Does anyone has any suggestions on a source? I’m getting the feeling I might have to take the plunge and get into reloading.
 
I thought Gamebore was available here. Might also check with the US Westley Richards agency. I imagine they want to keep their US based vintage guns fed.
 
I thought Gamebore was available here. Might also check with the US Westley Richards agency. I imagine they want to keep their US based vintage guns fed.
Unfortunately Gamebore is not importing them at the moment and WR no longer has them on their site, I will definitely give them a call to check though
 
Unfortunately Gamebore is not importing them at the moment and WR no longer has them on their site, I will definitely give them a call to check though

Hmmm…how about RST? I think they also deal with shortys
 
If you find some let me know!!!
 
Hmmm…how about RST? I think they also deal with shortys
RST is still making them but it’s very hit or miss when they have them. I’m set up to get notified when they have them back in stock so finger crossed.

If I find a source I’ll come up on the net and let everyone know.
 
I recently decided to get back into shooting and hunting with vintage British shotguns. Since I have been away from this past time it seems the lighter loaded 2 1/2” 12 gauge ammunition has become very hard to come by in the US. A strange fact given they are wildly available in Canada and the UK.

Does anyone has any suggestions on a source? I’m getting the feeling I might have to take the plunge and get into reloading.
 
Federal Shorty also an option at 1.75"

I know there are several methods by which you can cut 2 3/4 shells. From exactly knives, table saws, special tools. It is not expensive but it is time consuming
 
RST
Rottweil
Sellier & Bellot
Eley
Hull
Lyalvale Express
Game Bore

All of these companies make 2 1/2" shells. Magtech makes all brass 2 1/2" hulls for hand loading.
 
Right now the usual suppliers of 2-1/2" 12 gauge ammo seem to be sold out most of the time.

I own and shoot vintage Brit shotguns with 2-1/2" chambers. I can shorten standard hulls and load them but I usually don't bother. I shoot low pressure loods in 2-3/4" hulls. This is absolutely safe and will not harm your gun. BUT you must find a source for the low pressure loads, which will usually be your own loading bench.
 
Right now the usual suppliers of 2-1/2" 12 gauge ammo seem to be sold out most of the time.

I own and shoot vintage Brit shotguns with 2-1/2" chambers. I can shorten standard hulls and load them but I usually don't bother. I shoot low pressure loods in 2-3/4" hulls. This is absolutely safe and will not harm your gun. BUT you must find a source for the low pressure loads, which will usually be your own loading bench.
I think I will end up going down the reloading route. I have never reloaded before, but maybe this is a good way to get my feet wet.

I’ll still be keeping my eye out for the factory stuff though.
 
Quick update, I found some RST! I also ended up with more than I can use. I’ll be posting a case for sale in the classified soon if anyone is interested.
 

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Most of my hunts are solo — just me, my rifle, and a good map. Sometimes I tag along with an old buddy for a week in Zimbabwe or South Africa, but more often than not, it’s just me.
Big fan of classic hunting — bolt-action rifles, old-school tracking, and taking the time to really be in the moment.
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