Let's look at 1915 (pre-progressive powder). The E.K. Tryon Company of Phila listed (15) 12-gauge shells loaded with bulk and dense smokeless powders, and (12) of them were in 2-5/8" hulls and with a max of 1-1/8 ounce of shot, The other (3) shells were 2-3/4" and loaded with 1-1/4 ounce of shot. The (15) included the popular Repeater, Nitro Club and Climax brands. This is actual data directly from the EKT catalogue and it gets into what we read here and there, that the "practice" was to cut chambers 1/8" short (2-5/8") for use with 2-3/4" shells (better gas seal, etc). I personally don't believe that ..... if that was the practice, where are the American guns with 2-1/2" 12-gauge chambers that were "cut short" for use with the far more popular 2-5/8" shells? Anyone who doubts this, please reply here and cite the maker and model of any period American-made shotguns with 12-gauge 2-1/2" chambers that you've personally measured.
Yep, I understand that 12-gauge 2-3/4" bulk/dense shells could be fired in 2-5/8" chambers and with a rise in pressure that was typically within the design parameters of period guns, but it's my belief that 2-3/4" factory chambers (when ordered) in the pre-progressive powder days - earlier than about 1922 - were generally intended for regular use with up to 1-1/4 ounce of shot in 2-3/4" shells and for ducks, pigeons, turkeys, large furred game, etc.
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