Like the 16, it has a following among upland hunters, and new advancements in 28-gauge ammunition make it suitable for some waterfowl hunting. It is one of the four gauges used in competitive Skeet shooting. 615 of an inch and is very popular among hunters and target shooters. It has made a slight comeback lately, but primarily is popular only among a small cult of upland bird hunters. Some 12s can be loaded up to nearly 10 gauge levels.Īs a rule, 16-gauge shotguns measure. 729 of an inch, and is the most popular and versatile gauge around the world. It is primarily used for hunting turkeys and waterfowl.Ī 12-gauge shotgun measures. It’s the largest legal gauge in the United States, and the most powerful shotgun.
You can find a shotgun gauge chart online, but the list below includes all the major shotgun gauges: 410, which is a caliber) are measured by “gauge” which is derived from the number of lead balls of the bore diameter required to make up one pound. That’s not the case with all shotgun gauges. Both gauges are versatile and suited to a variety of shotgunning chores, and you can find all types of shotguns for different purposes in 12 and 20 gauge. There is also a wide range of 20-gauge ammo, and it, too, is easy to find.
You can find 12-gauge shells anywhere shotgun ammunition is sold and there are more 12-gauge ammo types than there are for any other gauge.
Twelve and 20 are the two most popular shotgun gauges and offer the widest selection of guns and ammunition. For most people and most purposes, the practical choice often becomes a battle of 12 gauge vs 20 gauge. Shotguns come in 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 gauges, and in. One of the first choices you have to make when choosing a shotgun is the gun’s gauge. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.