If I were going to get into loading 12 gauge short shells today I would buy a flat of Federal Gold Medal paper shells and shoot them up in a 2 3/4 inch chamber gun, trim the empties to 2 5/8ths inches overall length and roll crimp them with an antique hand operated BGI (Bridgeport Gun Implement) roll crimp tool available on Ebay for about $20.00. For a load I would choose a published load in the 6500 psi range for the standard Gold Medal hull and adjust the wad height so there is about 1/8 inch from the top of the shot column and the case mouth, insert a .030 over shot card and close the crimp with the roll crimp tool. Total equipment and special reloading supplies (less empty hulls, primers, powder, wads and shot) about $35.00. For wads I would choose a wad designed for a shot weight 1/8th ounce heavier than the load I intend to shoot to compensate for the shorter case length and insure sufficient length for a good crimp.
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