Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Tell me about the 12 Gauge (2.5")?

Almost everything I shoot, skeet, sporting clays and hunt with are 2 1/2". Like has been said your only missing 1/4" and in some cases not even that. 2 1/2" roll crimped shells have nearly the same capacity as a 2 3/4" fold crimp you just need to find lower pressure loads for the shotguns your shooting.

12 gauge

2 1/2" 7/8 oz ITX 6's handloads


Same load



Same load



2 1/2" B&P High pheasant 1 oz Lead 6"s



16 gauge

2 1/2" 1 oz NP BB's Handloads (coyote at 40 yards)



You will only give up common availability of ammo, there is plenty of handloading data available and components.

As far as performance on game, I've never felt the need for more.