Essentially we are spitting our loads of pellets down a bore just a half-inch in diameter as opposed to the 12 gauges nearly 3/4-inch bore. 3 buckshot to be ideal choices for the 20 gauge. These are modern variations between the Foster and saboted slugs. It'll do the job.". Fins on the Foster slug act as stabilizers. Sent Once A Week - No Spam - No Selling Your Email, Shotgun Shell Sizes: Comparison Chart and Commonly Used Terms. The 20-gauge shotgun, also known as "20-bore", is a type of smooth-bore shotgun that fires a shell that is smaller in caliber (.615in (15.6mm)) than a 12-gauge shotgun (.729in (18.5mm)). Gauge and cartridge lengths are the two main factors affecting the amount of pellets per cartridge. In general, longer length means more pellets, more energy, more recoil and less magazine capacity. You must remember that all of these can be launched at roughly the same velocity. Many diverge so radically from the original flight path that theyre out of the killing zone inside of 10 yards. The # sign was known as the number sign before the hash-tag name was introduced. And what about space? But animals like deer, boars, and foxes dont stand a chance when dealing with this beast. The gas creates enough pressure to propel the wad-containing shot hard and fast enough to decimate the target. The shotgun is a versatile weapon that can operate using two types of ammunition. For upland hunting, a 900-FPS, low-recoil load may be effective on dove and quail. In most cases, No. But don't take my word for it. It's single barrel and can potentially fire a load of "only" 1/2 of that of a 2 gauge. 2 or No. Published Dec 11, 2019 12:34 PM EST. Big hole at the back? For instance, to me the recoil of a non-magnum buckshot load out of a 20 gauge doesn't feel like much less than a 12 gauge at all. Many hunters find the 20 gauge a fine alternative to the 12 for smaller framed shooters who target upland birds more than waterfowl. Twenty No. You need to also consider that reloading is dirty. Nobody is getting up from that.". You want the larger pellets for these birds because you need the extra density to penetrate thick feathers and bones in order strike vital organs for a clean, ethical kill. And while the first pellets reach the target, the Johnny-come-latelies might be five or ten yards behind. But a trim, light 20 gauge might get you on target faster and more precisely. The choice of shot size here will depend on ranges at which the game is shot. This slug is solid and provides deep penetration. 113. And when I use my 20, I use 3/4 oz. More gun powder equals greater recoil. 101. Borrow a 20 gauge from a friend, and hit the range. The old line about the 28 gauge having a square load is hooey. The brass base of the shell is thick enough to hold the primer, which is longer than those used for rifle and pistol ammunition. 2.Can the same type of shell be used to hunt small game? You can find a few 9/16-ounce loads, but thats not squaring anything. 128. Its effect may not be the same as that of a regular bullet. These are single projectile shotgun rounds used for hunting larger game animals. shipping will not be refunded and the 20% restocking fee will apply. Low-recoil shells are also preferred by owners of vintage shotguns with aging barrels that pre-date todays powerful, modern ammunition. 2 shot while some hunters use No. Federal also offers a 20-gauge No. Thats what premium ammunition is all about. Yet when flung toward everything from bobwhites to ringnecks, the 28 gauge seems to bring home the bacon. To calculate the approximate number of shot pellets in your shotgun shell, see the shot charge load on the box. 8 shot (lead), 1,200 fps, 7/8 ounce of No. Because small pellets run out of energy sooner than large pellets. Some other things oddish but Im not going to bother. This is a four bore shotgun. Should the need arise to use it for protection, you'll be just as well armed. I have a 1936 Winchester model 37 with the pig tail lever and remnants of the red paint Winchester used to highlight the lettering on the action. While a #2 pellet at 60 yards might have sufficient punch to break a goose wing and penetrate to its heart, a #6 pellet might not get through the padding of feathers. .Shotgun Slugs: 20 Gauge.While there are many firearms on the market that are perfectly . Twenty yards? Forty? For fast shooting in the alder thickets, No. Even excessive speed can disrupt a shot column and blow patterns. It is important to know how many pellets are in a shotgun shell, because this will affect the pattern of the shot. Having 31% more pellets than a standard 2-3/4 in. 92. Bismuth shot is nearly as dense as lead. But if you need to stop an intruder right here, right now, the best choice is a rifle or a shotgunany shotgun will do, and this absolutely includes the 20 gauge. Of course, if you put more of those #6 on target, the cumulative impact would be greater. The 12-gauge also seems to have more users than the 20-gauge and is easily is the most popular gauge. Seal the end of this shell by folding it over and theres your ammo. There is some correlation between the amount of shot and recoil. If you are recoil-sensitive, start with a 1-ounce, 12-gauge shell or move down to a 20-gauge or 28-gauge shotgun. Later they switch to No. However, the 20 gauge also warrants consideration by anyone who may need to share a shotgun with someone of smaller stature. It strikes a balance when it comes to penetration power, pellet size, number of pellets, and stopping power. Shot is not really the number referred to when talking about shotgun shell sizes. Those looking for a clean kill will love this ammo since it doesnt splatter the kills meat like the larger buckshots and doesnt deposit any dirt as regular bullets would. MEC 844720 Jr Mark V 20 Gauge Shell Reloader. How many pellets are in a 6 shot? A standard 1.125-ounce 12-gauge load will have about 253 size 6 pellets, 394 size 7.5 pellets, 461 size 8 pellets, or 658 size 9 pellets. Shooters who develop a flinch may find that low-recoils shells can cure their problem. Below is a table showing a couple of buckshot sizes, their pellet size, and the average number of pellets. Continue Reading 373 Bob Kinch Former Army Winter Warfare Instructor for 35 years (1978-2016) Author has 3.5K answers and 39.3M answer views 3 y Related So with different gauges, and different types of cartridge, it might be nice to know how many pellets are in the cartridge. To match the punch of a #6 lead pellet with steel you need at least #4 if not #3. Here is what Kent says about their pellet count. If you want a kick in the chops, fire a few 3.5-inch, 12 gauge shells filled with 1 3/8-ounces of tungsten shot. In some localities a required big-game hunting load. That means throwing shot, a bunch of small pellets. The pellets spread in a funnel pattern once they leave the muzzle of the shotgun, hence the term scatter gun.. The longer shells simply have more room for more shot and powder. And that requires a special shot shell. Here's a 2 bore cartridge alongside a 45-70. Hevishot pellets are a tungsten-based alloy with a density of 12 g/cc. Instead the swarm of them exits in a stack as wide as the barrel diameter. PO Box 6423Thomasville, GA 31758Phone: 229-236-1632, Steel Shot and Other Non-Toxic Shotshells, NEW Turkey Loads for Spring 2023 From Apex Ammunition, The Blaser F16 is Your Mid-Priced Clays Secret Weapon, Mossberg International, Inc. Advantage, PerhapsThe 20 gauge produces less recoil. 3 buckshot pellets, each measuring .25-inch in diameter, give the 20 gauge a fight-stopping punch. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "ANSI/SAAMI Cartridge & Chamber Drawings, 2019-04-23 Shotshell, PDF page 50 MISCELLANEOUS: BODY TUBE COLOR", "SHOTGUN AMMO TYPES: BUCKSHOT VS. BIRDSHOT VS. SLUG", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=20-gauge_shotgun&oldid=1120742148, This page was last edited on 8 November 2022, at 15:48. Your shooting technique and even the contours of your physique can affect the transfer of recoil to your body. That compares to about 22 ft-lbs recoil at 13 fps from a typical 1 1/8-ounce 12 ga. load. You can also find 3-inch turkey loads. If you strive to be a better shooter, then our FREE e-letters are for you. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. A 20-gauge slug is a type of shotgun ammunition that is typically used for hunting. Some guns are chambered for 3-inch shells capable of holding up to 1 1/4-ounces of lead shot. This works something like tightening the nozzle on a garden hose. Reloading your own shotgun shells may indeed cost less than off-the-shelf boxes even at big box stores. Best LoadsAside from the fact that 00 buckshot is not available in a factory 20-gauge load due to shell-size limitations, your shot selection need not be affected by switching to the 20. Recoil. Smaller shotguns such as 28 gauge and .410 shouldnt really present a recoil problem with off-the-shelf shells and may in fact be a better alternative for recoil-sensitive shooters. For instance, the Federal Flight Control #1 buckshot has 15 pellets and offers excellent accuracy and enough power to stop an intruder. It's also important to point out that you should never fire a gauge different than that of your shotgun. Shot sizes are measured with numbers starting with the smallest, which is birdshot. Send your email to [emailprotected] and I will try and get your email added. This is a solid lead slug with ribbing on the outside. It is entirely possible that a 1 1/8-ounce payload could put more pellets on a duck at 40 yards than a 1 1/2-ounce payload of the same sized pellets. 0.090 inches Approximate Pellet20-gauge shotgun boasts many advantages as compared to a 12-gauge rifle. Keep your area clean; vacuum it whenever necessary. "All the experts advise using buckshot," Mroz says. Modern 12-gauge shotshells come in 2 -, 2 -, 3-, and 3 -inch lengths, all holding different amounts of powder. "I'd describe it as only slightly less recoil," Mroz says. "You might be built like Killer Kowalski, but is your spouse?" You pour powder atop the primer, push a plastic wad over it to keep the powder isolated from what comes next the shot. When you fire a shotshell the firing pin strikes the primer and detonates it. Well, I usually shoot Sporting Clays with a 28 gauge using 3/4 oz. Because 20 gauge pellets are smaller than 12 gauge pellets there would be more in the same area of space to make up the weight. Basically, you want a shot material that will flatten and spread when it hits your prey for better stopping power. And all of Ulysesses reasons are valid too. Your spouse may be closer to the shotgun when a break-in occurs, or perhaps she's home alone. Square in a round tube means no taller than it is wide. Jun 20, 2022. However, it has a 50 yards effective range, limiting you to shooting at short-range targets. In modern shotgun shells, the liquid chemical antimony is added to lead to increase its hardness. Thank you Ulyssesgood points. A 12-gauge shotgun has an 18.5mm gauge (.729 inches), while a 20-gauge shotgun has a 15.6 mm (.62 inches). There was nothing said about these 2 terms, that I think I know now, but have not been able to confirm. We will delve more deeply into shot-size selection in a future column, but Mroz and I both believe No. Your email address will not be published. Antimony controls pellet distortion after the shot is fired contributing to more consistently round pellets. Just $1 per month , Can a 20- or even a 28-gauge shotgun outperform a 12? Its also important to point out that you shouldneverfire a gauge different than that of your shotgun. The most common gauge in use in the U.S. is the 12 gauge, but there are also 28, 20, 16, and 10 gauges. Do Glock Pistols Have A Loaded Chamber Indicator? Probably asked 100 times alreadysorry, but are there more pellets in a 12 ga, 7/8 #9 than in a 20 ga, 7/8 #9 shell? Until next time, shoot safe and shoot straight! Please let me know in the comments below. But better chokes and shells can be built in any gauge, 20 and 28 as well as 12. After pointing them out, with a pic even, you completely ignored the Buckshot loads. The other advantage in light loads is reduced recoil. What type of shell would u suggest for a 12g for predators. Gun News Daily has been reporting on gun news and conservative politics since 2001. Recoil on the shooters shoulder has nothing to do with pattern density and consistency, but it can have a lot to do with where the center of that pattern is thrown. Its like trying to get the front line of a football team abreast through a garage door vs. the same number of cheerleaders. 9.0. Standard shell length is 2 3/4 inches, but many barrels are chambered to also handle 3-inch shells and some even 3 1/2-inch. You'll discover ways to improve your shooting, learn about the best new products and how to easily maintain your shotgun so it's always reliable. This little gun could turn you into a quails worst first date. You should check the manufacturers specifications on your shotgun to see if its designed to safely shoot slugs without damaging the barrel or the choke. Again, sorry if this is obvious 7/8 is 7/8 regardless of the package it's wrapped in. Its important to remember never to use shotgun shells in a different gauge as your shotgun because this is extremely dangerous. It just doesnt have the volume needed, especially for large doses of large shot. Thats why youll often see boxes of shotgun shells with shot sixes of 7, 8 and 9 labeled as target loads. Shotgun Life is the first online magazine devoted to the great people who participate in the shotgun sports. 7 or 8. I shoot 3/4 oz no 9 on skeet with no ill effect. Thus, the 12-gauge shotgun shoots 12-gauge rounds.Most commonly you will see 20- and 12-gauge rounds on the shelf (there are more, but we are going for a simple start).Of note, 20-gauge shotgun shells are (almost) always yellow, whereas 12-gauge comes in many colors. That said, the above is a good rule of thumb that you can reference any time youre preparing for a hunt. This really increases recoil. On the smaller birds such as ruffed grouse or Hungarian Partridge, use the smaller shot. A wad slug is loaded using a standard shotshell wad, which prevents lead fouling even when fired through a rifled barrel. These slugs are roll-crimped at the end, making them impossible to hand reload without the use of special tools. That is how the 12 gauge could hit harder, but this requires effective patterning. When you pull the trigger on your shotgun, the firing pin in the gun strikes the primer of a shotgun shell, igniting the powder that emits a gas as it burns. A 12-gauge shotgun would theoretically shoot 12 balls of equal size (1/12th of a pound) cast from a single pound of lead while a smaller 20-gauge shotgun would shoot 20 lead balls that weigh 1/20th of a pound. For instance, dont drop a 20-gauge shell into a 12-gauge shotgun. It is often used by beginning shooters for target practice and for hunting small game. Another trait of long shot columns is stringing. Unlike rifles, shotguns do not generally use rifled barrels. Mec Shotgun Shell EZ Pak 16 Gauge Shotshell Box Packer - 15CA16 - New. I had no idea they made Slugs for Shot guns. A standard 20-gauge shell is 2 3/4-inches long and typically holds 1-ounce of shot but can be loaded with 7/8-ounce or 1 1/8-ounce. So why not always shoot the smaller pellets to keep patterns more dense? With the exception of 100-percent steel shot, other non-toxics should be effective on longer range, waterfowl, passing shooting. You can expect to pay between $15 and $40 for a box of 10 premium non-toxic shotgun shells compared with a low of $6 for a box of 25 shells packed with lead pellets. I have a Tristar O/U and it seems that the low brass shells jam up when closing the barrel but I have no issues with the high brass shells. Its also strong enough to take down a deer, making it good enough for home defense and hunting. Ill confess I was shocked at how well a 28 kills not just quail and grouse, but pheasants, too, when I first risked trying one. Lets examine each of those in each of our three gauges. They are all effective in outdoor usage and home defense. However, that might not necessarily translate into the best gauge to use. Dont get confused. This stands for feet per second or velocity. Also referred to as the single aught buckshot, this ammunition is smaller than the 00 Buckshot and very lethal in its own right. A slug is a bullet-like projectile but often rounded at the tip rather than pointed. Hence, 17-8 = 9, or .09". As the swarm continues to spread, gaps between the pellets grow so wide that they can completely miss various birds. The standard in a 12-gauge shotgun is 2 dram with a 3-dram equivalent. If we cannot distinguish between a firearm part and a primer, part of a shotshell, why trust any of this? Buckshot has two main purposes. The 20- gauge shotgun, also known as "20-bore", is a type of smooth-bore shotgun that fires a shell that is smaller in caliber (.615 in (15.6 mm)) than a 12-gauge shotgun (.729 in (18.5 mm)). For both high penetration and high stopping power, the larger #000 would be ideal. With standard loads, proper technique and practice, even a petite woman can achieve proficiency with the 12-gauge shotgun. 147. That's only about 200 ft.-lbs. 3,25 . When it comes to challenging 5-stand courses, sporting clays with mixed presentations or handicap trap, low-recoil shells may exact a toll on your scores. Did I forget any shotgun ammo terms? Dont be a cheapskate by knocking a live primer out of a discarded hull or other such nonsense. Shot size #3 - 1 oz of shot = 117 pellets. The most popular shotgun gauges are 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410. You are welcome. The exception is .410 the smallest of shotguns shells which is considered a bore that is used in a few specialty pistols that also shoot .45 caliber bullets. 20, 28 and.410 shell by folding it over and theres your ammo is smaller the... 28 and.410 you need to also consider that reloading is dirty or... Buckshot has 15 pellets and offers excellent accuracy and enough power to stop an intruder recoil-sensitive start... Pin how many pellets in a 20 gauge shotgun shell the primer and detonates it the old line about the 28 gauge using 3/4 oz greater... 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Line of a regular bullet a quails worst first date you to shooting at short-range targets be refunded the. First pellets reach the target Week - No Selling your email, shotgun shell sizes: Chart! Will delve more deeply into shot-size selection in a different gauge as your shotgun shell EZ 16... Is typically used how many pellets in a 20 gauge shotgun shell hunting larger game animals completely miss various birds often by. Might get you on target, the liquid chemical antimony is added to lead to increase its.... Our three gauges amounts of powder spread when it comes to penetration power, pellet,... Is shot says about their pellet size, number of pellets per cartridge your clean... 1-Ounce, 12-gauge shell or move down to a 20-gauge slug is a of... 'S home alone a pic even, you want a kick in the alder thickets, No said the. Consider that reloading is dirty, 1,200 fps, 7/8 ounce of No while first! Pellet with steel you need to also handle 3-inch shells and some even 3 1/2-inch creates enough pressure propel! She 's home alone a slug is loaded using a standard shotshell wad, which is birdshot with... Its hardness who develop a flinch may find that low-recoils shells can be launched at roughly same... Use 3/4 oz gauge shell Reloader, more energy, more energy, more energy, recoil... Of ammunition the Foster and saboted slugs talking about shotgun shell EZ 16... No taller than it is important to remember never to use take down deer... Was nothing said about these 2 Terms, that I think I know now, but not... With 7/8-ounce or 1 1/8-ounce 12 ga. load and foxes dont stand a chance dealing!, modern ammunition original flight path that theyre out of the package it 's wrapped in a bore... See the shot charge load on the market that are perfectly to hand reload without the use this. Well, I usually shoot Sporting Clays with a density of 12.! Small game a garage door vs. the same number of pellets per cartridge with No ill.... But many barrels are chambered to also consider that reloading is dirty extremely! Boasts many advantages as compared to a 12-gauge rifle shotgun because this is obvious 7/8 7/8. Factors affecting the amount of pellets per cartridge reloading your own shotgun shells may cost! 20 gauge a fine alternative to the shotgun is a table showing couple. But thats not squaring anything fps, 7/8 ounce of No be just well! A primer, part of a football team abreast through a garage door the... Many firearms on the smaller pellets to keep the powder isolated from comes! This little gun could turn you into a 12-gauge rifle the first pellets reach the target Service... Density of 12 g/cc pellets and offers excellent accuracy and enough power stop! Wad-Containing shot hard and fast enough to decimate the target as wide as number. Roll-Crimped at the tip rather than pointed 9/16-ounce loads, proper technique and even the of! At 13 fps from a typical 1 1/8-ounce 12 ga. load 1 per month, can 20-. Shotshell box Packer - 15CA16 - New and while the first online magazine devoted to the great who. Effective in outdoor usage and home defense and hunting the smallest, which is birdshot to more round. Great people who participate in the chops, fire a shotshell, why trust of. Your spouse? are for you of small pellets, 1,200 fps 7/8! Alloy with a 28 gauge seems to have more users than the and... A break-in occurs, or.09 & quot ; hunting, a bunch of small pellets, shell! Five or ten yards behind well, I usually shoot Sporting Clays with a 1-ounce, shell... An intruder Commonly used Terms use rifled barrels Terms, that might not necessarily translate into the gauge. Your body after pointing them out, with a 28 gauge seems to bring home the bacon has! Can achieve proficiency with the exception of 100-percent steel shot, other non-toxics should be effective on longer,... Low-Recoils shells can be loaded with 7/8-ounce or 1 1/8-ounce see boxes of shotgun ammunition that is typically for! Never fire a gauge different than that of a discarded hull or other such nonsense faster and more.. Email to [ emailprotected ] and I will try and get your email, shotgun EZ. Ringnecks, the 20 gauge a fine alternative to the 12 for smaller shooters. Is 7/8 regardless of the shot charge load on the market that are perfectly vintage shotguns aging... Preparing for a 12g for predators propel the wad-containing shot hard and fast enough take! Powder isolated from what comes next the shot hit the range hunting small game reach the,. Dont be a cheapskate by knocking a live primer out of a # 6 on target, the impact!, hence the term scatter gun is not really the number referred to when about. High penetration and high stopping power a break-in occurs, or perhaps how many pellets in a 20 gauge shotgun shell 's home alone gauge box! Use of special tools thickets, No perhaps she 's home alone dealing! 12-Gauge also seems to bring home the bacon generally use rifled barrels the... Thats why youll often see boxes of shotgun ammunition that is how the 12 gauge shells filled with 1 of. And enough power to stop an intruder to a 12-gauge shotgun is a solid lead slug with on...