16ga.com ~ View topic - Alt. Sources for 2-1/2 ammo

As mentioned in a recent thread, "Fall is just around the corner..." Bird Season!

As also mentioned in that same thread, the standard recommended low pressure shell suppliers have little of no products available, Poly SpredR has not had any offerings since I don't when. RST availability is few and far between.

What are some good alternatives for 2.5" low pressure shells?
Where can they be found?

I have looked at some but availability is questionable as well as viability.

Gamebore "Regal" is a 2.5" (67mm) 28 gram 16 ga. but the advertised 1400fps scares the heck out of me, though maybe not the 1920 LC smith field gun of mine.

Help....
Thanks....

Joined: 21 Mar 2019 Posts: 523 Location: Texas

Far better to load your own.

I make all my own 16ga ammo. I make it how I like it for my old guns.

I sold off all my factory 16ga ammo the past few months.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

RST is your best bet right now if you don't or don't want to load your own , they do show some Falcon light #5 and #6 loads in stock right now .

Joined: 16 Jul 2015 Posts: 2124 Location: Hudson,Wy

Polywad Vintagers are also a mild 2.5" shell. Available in 12, 16, and 20 ga. Not many people know about them (they also make spreader loads), so you may have a better chance of getting these.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

Not sure but Polywad my be out of business

Given the current climate with regard to 16 ga. factory shotgun shell availability and when it may end, a friend who reloads may be a great asset, even if one does not reload him/herself. Over the years it has been pretty common for me to reload 16 gauge for folks I know and trust, and for folks who know and trust me. A friend in need is a friend indeed. And it seems that lots of folks who don't maintain a stash of ammo are in need right now.

Joined: 16 Jul 2015 Posts: 2124 Location: Hudson,Wy

Polywad's site is up and running with a copyright date of 2020. I think they are still in business.

Joined: 27 Oct 2017 Posts: 80 Location: Joliet, IL

One thing to remember is you don't need very many tools to load your own if your willing to go slow.

A precision reloading roll crimper, reloading scale, and a way to cut 2 3/4" hulls down to reasonable roll crimp length (razor and a guide) - thats it for tools, nothing fancy.

New primed hulls, powder, shot, wads - these have all been available at Precision or BP recently, except for powder. But I did find powder (overpriced) at local gun shows.

Try calling William Larkin Moore (shop) in Scottsdale AZ. They have 2-1/2" shells custom loaded.

Member Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 120 Location: FL

I remember seeing them on Guns International under Shotgun Ammo.
2 1/2 in. 7/8 oz. loads, 12 and 16 gauge.

Joined: 21 Mar 2019 Posts: 523 Location: Texas

ouch!!! 190.00 a flat. must order min of 10 boxes.(flat)

Member Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 120 Location: FL

Dang, they went up since i saw them, I think they were $140 delivered.