12 gauge 2 inch shells - The Firearms Forum

bizy · 12-06-2009, 01:19 PM

12 ga has more recoil than I want. I like 20s. I know it sounds goofy but I would like to cut down a 12 for 3 reasons. #1 to get more than 3 or 4 rounds in the tube. #2 to lighten the recoil. #3 I don't need a 3 inch magnum for home protection.. AND I want to load with 2 shot..

Question 1: Can a 3" or 2 1/2 12 gauge shells be cut down to 2 inches?

Question 2: Can wax or paraffin be used with a crimp to seal the case?

Question 3: Is there a slug made for reloading the 12 or 20?

Thanks in advance...

carver · 12-06-2009, 02:01 PM

Here is just one source for those that would like to reload slugs. http://www.gardnerscache.com/12_gauge_sabot_slugs.html
I wouldn't cut the shells back to 2", instead I would just load them light. If I wanted more shells in the tube, I would purcase a tube extender for what ever model of gun I owned. Hope this helps a little. Once upon a time wax was used to seal the crimp, but that was long ago when they used a roll crimp.

Alpo · 12-06-2009, 03:56 PM

You can cut the shells back. There are us that have to, as we shoot guns chambered in 2 inch or 2 1/2 inch shells. Problem is, finding loads. None of the loading manuals have any. They are all made for 2 3/4 and longer. Wads are made to use with 2 3/4 shells.

Another problem is repeating shotguns are made work with a certain length of shell. You go too short, and the shell won't feed. Aquila, in Mexico, makes short shells. 1 1/2" overall length. http://www.smokewagongear.com/p-119-...l-4b-shot.aspx They were designed so cops could carry 15 rounds in a standard riot gun. When they came out with them, they said they would work in Remington and Mossberg pumps, but would not work in Winchester. They would not work in autoloaders, period. There was a lot of discussion, on various boards, when they came out, and it was a mix of, "Yea, they work great in my gun" and "Damn, they won't feed at all in my gun". So, I guess, with them, you pays your nickel and you takes your chance.

cakes · 12-07-2009, 08:53 AM

The previous posts are spot-on. Get a mag extension and load light 2 3/4 loads.

As for slugs, I cast my own 12 gauge slugs from a Lee mold. It was easy to find a load that provided low recoil and 'minute-of-bad guy' accuracy. I use Unique powder and AA12 wads since I always have a good supply of both.

12-07-2009, 08:53 AM	#4
cakes V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Maine Posts: 230	Re: 12 gauge 2 inch shells The previous posts are spot-on. Get a mag extension and load light 2 3/4 loads. As for slugs, I cast my own 12 gauge slugs from a Lee mold. It was easy to find a load that provided low recoil and 'minute-of-bad guy' accuracy. I use Unique powder and AA12 wads since I always have a good supply of both. __________________ If at first you don't succeed, shoot, shoot again.

12-06-2009, 01:19 PM	#1
bizy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Marlow, Ok Posts: 344	12 gauge 2 inch shells 12 ga has more recoil than I want. I like 20s. I know it sounds goofy but I would like to cut down a 12 for 3 reasons. #1 to get more than 3 or 4 rounds in the tube. #2 to lighten the recoil. #3 I don't need a 3 inch magnum for home protection.. AND I want to load with 2 shot.. Question 1: Can a 3" or 2 1/2 12 gauge shells be cut down to 2 inches? Question 2: Can wax or paraffin be used with a crimp to seal the case? Question 3: Is there a slug made for reloading the 12 or 20? Thanks in advance... -->

12-06-2009, 02:01 PM	#2
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,240	Re: 12 gauge 2 inch shells Here is just one source for those that would like to reload slugs. http://www.gardnerscache.com/12_gauge_sabot_slugs.html I wouldn't cut the shells back to 2", instead I would just load them light. If I wanted more shells in the tube, I would purcase a tube extender for what ever model of gun I owned. Hope this helps a little. Once upon a time wax was used to seal the crimp, but that was long ago when they used a roll crimp. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. Last edited by carver; 12-06-2009 at 02:03 PM..

12-06-2009, 03:56 PM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,651	Re: 12 gauge 2 inch shells You can cut the shells back. There are us that have to, as we shoot guns chambered in 2 inch or 2 1/2 inch shells. Problem is, finding loads. None of the loading manuals have any. They are all made for 2 3/4 and longer. Wads are made to use with 2 3/4 shells. Another problem is repeating shotguns are made work with a certain length of shell. You go too short, and the shell won't feed. Aquila, in Mexico, makes short shells. 1 1/2" overall length. http://www.smokewagongear.com/p-119-...l-4b-shot.aspx They were designed so cops could carry 15 rounds in a standard riot gun. When they came out with them, they said they would work in Remington and Mossberg pumps, but would not work in Winchester. They would not work in autoloaders, period. There was a lot of discussion, on various boards, when they came out, and it was a mix of, "Yea, they work great in my gun" and "Damn, they won't feed at all in my gun". So, I guess, with them, you pays your nickel and you takes your chance. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.