Loading 2 1/2 inch shotshells?

[valkabit6]

I just bought a Winchester 1897 manufactured in 1899. I'm a little concerned about shooting modern 2 3/4 shells through it. I know I can buy 2 1/2 low velocity shells, but I'm curious as to how much trouble it is to load 2 1/2 shells.

I've priced 2 1/2 shells at about $15, so I'm assuming unlike 2 3/4 shells, I could save money loading the short shells.

 

[Gunplummer]

I may be wrong, but I believe the 97' was chambered for the 2 3/4 shell from the start. I think 2 1/2 was black powder, except for the .410.