Need your input on 2 1/2" 20 ga shells

[classicioi]

I shoot RST 2 3/4" - 7/8 oz - 7 1/2's in all my 20 ga's. I've never owned or shot a gun with 2 1/2 shells and the Parker VH 20 I looked at is chambered for 2 1/2" shells.

I would appreciate any input on the performance of the 2 1/2" shells in a 20 vs the 2 3/4 RST's I currently use. My primary use is for dove and quail and sporting clays for practice.

Thanks in advance

[nid-28]

I use both of those loads and there is no appreciable difference in performance. They are virtually identical in my usage.

[Dean Romig]

So, if you're buying RST 2 3/4" 20 ga. ammo why don't you simply change to RST 2 1/2" 20 ga. ammo?

I find RST's 2 1/2" ammo in all gauges (except 10 ga.) to be completely effective and totally adequate for hunting upland birds as well as clays.

[Phil C]

This past year between dog training, trials, and bird hunting ( all on birds were pen raised or wild). We shot about 5 cases of RST shells in 2 1/2". May not seem like a lot of shells when compared to a skeet shooter, but a true test of performance under field conditions.
For performance with low recoil, lower report and excellent patterns the RST shells are hard to beat. For the conditions we hunt in over our dogs nothing's performs better. This may sound like a sales pitch for 2 1/2" RST shells, but I would not know the guys that produce RST shells if they knocked on my door. Truth is these shells are not cheap but are still the least expensive part of our hunts. We actually shot 20 and 28 gauge shells with equally great performance. Spreader and woodcock loads were part of the mix. Shot my recently acquired DH 28 gauge that is chambered for 2 3/4" shells using the 2 1/2" Spreader loads due to it being choked Full/Mod. Killed Mearns quail out to 30 yards. Just my 2 cents based on my experience.

[classicioi]

Dean,

I tried to find some today so I could try them myself and form my own opinion. Ordering some from RST wasn't an option since the gentleman want's my decision on the VH 20 tomorrow. I was hoping people with their own experience could let me know if they noticed any difference in performance.

[Alfred Greeson]

I think the RST 2 1/2 20's are great and a Parker VH 20 is a sweet little gun. Don't miss a chance to pick one up if the price is right, they don't stay on the market for long.

[John Taddeo]

I would be very surprised if you could actually tell difference... its all in knowing how your gun patterns with each load..

[Bruce Day]

or a person could just buy regular Winchester AAs on sale

[SXS OHIO]

My working guns from Fox and Parker with steel barrels and short chambers. I have my chambers and cones moved ahead for 2 3/4 shells. If it a go to gun that I plan to use and its not a hi condition collectible (safe queen). Its kinda like putting power steering on a old car that had non power....no its not original but sure is nice! It has never hurt the resale value of any guns that have had chambers opened. That way I can shoot the Winchester and estate target loads on up to light field loads and not pay double for short shells. It also helps with recoil and shot deformation at the cones for better patterns. Its a win win! Brad has three of my VH-16 barrel sets as we speak, he does great work at a fair price! SXS ohio

[C.O.B.]

I wouldn't mess with the chamber length of the proposed VH 20 for any reason. You most likely can shoot either 2 3/4 or the 2 1/2 length in it. I have gone to using the 2 1/2 inch shell in all my guns. I haven't noticed any difference in performance on the clays course or in the field. I can miss equally well with either