Researching to develop my first shotgun load and looking for some advice on loading components.

Coming from nearly 20 years cartridge loading experience, but realize loading for shotguns is a whole other ballgame.

My plan is to load 2 1/2" 16 gauge shells for use on small game (Squirrels and rabbits) out of a short chambered, full choke, Winchester 1897.

Have scoured over the BP manual, Lyman 5e, and the database from 16ga.com, but just want to gain any additional input that you all may have.

I am planning on using components from BP because...well...they are available. I will be using a Lee load-all II. Which presents the first problem. A load all will only load 2 3/4 inch shells. My plan is to trim the case to 2 1/2 inches and use a hartin crimp with an overshot card, resulting in the same loaded length as a 2 3/4" shell.

I have a can of Longshot floating around so that is the powder I would like to go with.

I will be running no. 5 lead.

Now to the point, my first question is what load weight would you all start off with considering the firearm and the intended targets (longer range shots are the norm? I was planning on running at least 1oz.

Which leads to my second question, which BP wad would you use for that scenario? I am thinking the Field Commander would be better suited to heaver loads and longer shots.

The following load ID's from the BP 16ga manual seem to fit the bill of what I am looking for, using Ched hulls, Field Commanders, and Longshot.
100226-1814
141204-6159
100226-1814B

Any of you all experimented with these loads? I have heard mixed reviews of the load data in the BP manual so wanted to get some first hand knowledge on these if possible.

At any rate, I would appreciate any advice or input you all have to get me pointed in the right direction.

Thanks!

I used the SG:Short for target loads. A Lee loadall is easily converted to load 2.5 in loads, you have to cut off the crimp station and add a 1/4" plate under it. I used one for a.while and gave it away when I set up my Mec for 2.5s. I needed something that was studier to load and now I don't even bother loading 2 3/4" and just shoot 2.5s in all my guns, 16 and 12ga.

How hard is it to have the chamber lengthened to 2 3/4"?

Might be quite a bit easier, and cheaper, than what you are doing.

Brownells sells reamers to open up those old shotguns to accept 2&3/4 rounds. I have one for 12 gauge. I have done 3-4 of them. There is an engraved line on the chamber length gage and you cut until that line ends up even with end of the chamber. When I bought mine, the gage came along with the reamer. I don't see that now.

I think I paid about $60 for mine.. More expensive now.

https://www.brownells.com/tools-cle...rcing-cone-chamber-reamer/?sku=080661020

It's not too difficult to lengthen the chamber but my 16 gauge 1912 made in 1913 will not eject 2 3/4" shells even if the chamber was lengthened. Had the same issue with an early A5 Browning , had the chamber opened and the empty still hung up because the ejection port was too short. RST makes good 2.5" shells if you can find them . I converted two MEC's to 2.5 with the plate kit that they sell. Just takes a few minutes to do and was not expensive when I bought mine. Older Mec's can be found pretty cheap ,I think I gave $35.00 for the 16 gauge I converted and about $10 less for the 12 gauge. I shoot more 2.5" now and really don't notice the difference.

Cut the hulls back to 2 9/16", load normal 1 oz loads put a thin card wad over the shot , crimp. Shoot. If you don't like that then do all the other baloney. Works in my lc Smith field grade..mb

Thats my game plan Bob. Just use 2 3/4 loads in a shortened shell with an overshot card.

I could have the chamber reamed but because of the way the 97's and 12's headspace from the ring in the receiver and not the barrel itself it would be a send-off job. The cost of which would be the same as a press and components.

I have several 16's and have reloaded cartridges for years so I think its finally time to get into the shotshell reloading game.

Thanks for the input yall!