Whether you believe or not, that's up to you. I tend to believe BUT I started reloading non-toxics so I won't be sitting home knashing my teeth over the fact that I can't hunt because I don't have non-toxic ammo, I'll be out hunting. I have two coyote hunting rifles all dialed in with non-toxics just incase or I go to a state that requires it. I use them regularly but still hunt coyotes with lead also until I need to change.
For 2.5" 16ga non-toxic for and old shotgun, MEC is your friend. I have a 600 set up with a short shell kit that I load bismuth for waterfowl or you can just roll crimp new hulls and hand fill them, either buy 2.5" hulls or cut down 2.75. Most 2.75" data will fit in a roll crimped 2.5" hull. I always try to err on the light side of pressure and keep my shells as mild as possible. It is easier to wait for a bird to get 10 yards closer than to repair a fine old shotgun.
