Mike, what John was pointing out was 2 1/2" shells are longer than that when fired. When you ask for 2 1/2" load data everyone thinks you mean 2 1/2" unfired length. So first off you'll have to get on the same page as everyone else. What you're really asking for is data for about a 2 1/8" shell. Why do you want to reload shells that short ? Chambers for 2 1/2 or 2 5/8 are for shells that long after they're fired. If we're talking about double or single barrel guns [ not pumps or autos ] a 2 3/4" shell will fit in a gun with 2 1/2" chambers and will fire just fine with pressures only going up about 1000psi. If you want to shorten shells that's fine, just use the same data for longer shells and figure out how to make everything fit in the shell. One as mentioned is to roll crimp. Another is to use fiber wads. Third, use plastic wads meant for say 1 3/8oz loads but only load 7/8oz. Being retired and having too much time on my hands I once went to 2" shells with a fold crimp. Even figured out how to do it on a Mec. I cut out the cushion part of a plastic wad, and made the punch in the final crimp die longer. Even took apart a box for shells and re-cut and glued them back together to fit the 2" shells. The easy way would be to go to 3/4oz loads in the 12ga but use a 1oz or 1 1/8oz wad. Good luck.
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Paul Harm
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