2 1/2 shells

[William Woods]

I placed an order with them some time ago for 2 1/2" 12 and 16 gauge shells. The 16's were expected to be available sometime in January. I received the 12's right away, no word on the 16's yet.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Mark Britton

They are ARMUSA correct ? Yes How clean are these shells ? Some shells are dirty as H as you know.

Yes. Some are. These are dirty as hell, you better not buy any.

[Steve Hodges]

Originally Posted by Andrew Sacco

They are ARMUSA correct? We shoot those a lot for sporting/bunker in 2.75" at $9 a box and we have another pallet coming. We have been told we can get the 2.5" by the pallet but the wait time is long. It was not from claysammo however.

Are these 2 1/2" 16 gauge shells loaded as the RST's are, that is to be safe to shoot in older guns?

[Mark Britton]

Yes. Some are. These are dirty as hell, you better not buy any. Thanks Andy and no I haven't gotten any ! I just have only paid for two flats that they admit to not having !

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Mark Britton

Yes. Some are. These are dirty as hell, you better not buy any. Thanks Andy and no I haven't gotten any ! I just have only paid for two flats that they admit to not having !

I was being facetious, they are NOT dirty : )

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hodges

Are these 2 1/2" 16 gauge shells loaded as the RST's are, that is to be safe to shoot in older guns?

Look online you'll see ARMUSA claims their 2.5" 12g 1170fps are 6100psi so I would be comfortable using them.

[Steve Hodges]

Originally Posted by Andrew Sacco

Look online you'll see ARMUSA claims their 2.5" 12g 1170fps are 6100psi so I would be comfortable using them.

Thanks Andy

[MattHaney]

I compiled this list not long ago of sources for short shells. None of them are cheap relative to 2 ¾” ammo, but they never have been. I suspect all of you are familiar with at least some of these, but maybe not all of them. Just click the link for each to visit their website or the website of their distributor. In addition to the list below, I understand that Boss Ammo sporadically makes some short shells, but I don't know anything about them.

RST – We all know RST. They make short shells in many gauges and many shot sizes. Availability has at times been limited since the pandemic, but they are still cranking out ammo.

Armusa – This Spanish-made ammunition is currently being imported by Clay’s Ammo. The Vintage Classico line is low pressure and clean burning. Available in 12 and 16 gauges.


Baschieri & Pellagri – B&P introduced their Upland Game Classic not too long ago in 12 gauge only. It is available through a number of retailers, including Midway USA.

BPS – This ammunition is currently being imported from Turkey by Tim Hovey through AGC Munitions. Low pressure 65mm shells are available in 12 gauge. Low recoil shells in 2 ¾” are also available in 12 and 20 gauges. There is no website available to order, but you can contact Tim directly at: 678-428-8910 or tdhovey@gmail.com. Ask him about discounted pricing for pallet-sized orders. You may have seen Tim selling these shells at the spring Southern Side-by-Side. The 7/8 oz loads are very pleasant to shoot and break targets with authority.

Eley Hawk – Francis Lombardi of Foxtrot, LLC is the new importer for Eley Hawk, LTD. Currently they have available 2 ½” Grand Prix 12 gauge 30 gram (1 1/16th oz) hunting loads in #6 (British) shot. They will be expanding the Eley line shortly with more offerings in 2 ½” including bismuth options. You can contact Foxtrot via Guns International or at: 315-689-0000 or info@foxtrotlima.net.

Gamebore – The Regal line of these British shells is currently being imported by Clay Shooters Supply. They are available in 12, 16, and 20 gauges. I doubt these are what we would consider low pressure, but they are true 65mm cartridges and should be safe in nitro-proofed guns.

Salt Creek Custom Ammunition – This small ammunition maker has introduced a line of low-pressure hunting shells in 10, 12 and 16 gauges. They are bismuth only, in a variety of shot sizes.