{"id":2683,"date":"2026-09-15T12:42:08","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T12:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=2683"},"modified":"2026-09-15T18:17:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T18:17:03","slug":"12-gauge-vs-20-gauge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When comparing shotguns and shotgun ammunition, few topics are as complex as 12 gauge vs. 20 gauge. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Comparisons for rifle or handgun cartridges have a generally-universal set of characteristics to compare; yes, there are variables, but not as many. With shotgun ammunition, you have slugs, shot size, shell length, and other variables that add complexities to an already complex subject. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Despite the complexities, you can make fair comparisons between 12-gauge and 20-gauge calibers and ammo. This should allow you to make a clear decision on your firearm choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Can\u2019t Wait for the Results? Here are the important differences between 12-gauge and 20-gauge ammunition:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Advantages of the 12-gauge:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>More power<\/li>\n<li>Larger, heavier slugs<\/li>\n<li>More shot weight<\/li>\n<li>Generally has more range<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Advantages of the 20-gauge:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Less recoil<\/li>\n<li>Easier on small game<\/li>\n<li>Great for lighter shooting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Shotgun 101: Understanding \u201cGauge\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-699\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-699\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\">12 Gauge<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">20 Gauge<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bore diameter<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.725 inches<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0.615 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Shell lengths<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1.5 to  3.5 inches<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">2.75 to 3 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Shot load weight<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5\/8 to 2-1\/2 ounces<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3\/4 to 1-5\/8 ounces<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Slug weights<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">300 to 600 grains<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">219 to 383 grains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-699 from cache -->\n<figure id=\"attachment_2800\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2800\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2800 size-full\" title=\"A 20 gauge leaning against a tree\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5883-Web.jpg\" alt=\"photo of a 20 gauge shotgun leaning against a tree\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5883-Web.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5883-Web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5883-Web-787x524.jpg 787w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2800\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 20 gauge shotgun is a popular choice for small game hunters and sports shooters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Hunters and trap shooters understand that the lower the number, the larger the caliber in a gauge-designated shotgun. If it\u2019s been a while since you\u2019ve reviewed calibers, or if you\u2019re simply new to firearms, it helps to quickly review how gauges are determined and why a smaller number means a bigger shell. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Gauge in determined by the number of lead balls with the same diameter as the barrel that it would take to weigh one pound. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In a 12-gauge, which has a diameter of .729 inches, it would take a dozen .729-diameter balls to reach a pound. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">With 20 gauge, which as a .615-inch diameter, you would need 20 lead balls, each with with a .615-inch diameter, to weigh a pound. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Special Note: 20-gauge Shells are Always Yellow<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2796\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2796\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2796\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5897-Web.jpg\" alt=\"photo of 20 gauge shotgun and shotgun shells \" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5897-Web.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5897-Web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5897-Web-787x524.jpg 787w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2796\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">20 gauge shotgun shells are always yellow in color.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It\u2019s also important to note that <strong><em>all<\/em> 20-gauge shells<\/strong>, by mandate, are yellow. This is a precaution against loading 20-gauge shells into a 12-gauge shotgun. If this happens and a 12-gauge shell is loaded behind the 20-gauge, it can cause both shells to fire, leading to serious injury. For this reason, you will see that all 20-gauge shells, regardless of the load, will be yellow. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">History of the Shotgun Shell<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In the early days of firearms, almost all guns could fire both solid-piece single projectiles (bullets or \u201cballs\u201d) as well as \u201cshot,\u201d which in many cases could be just about any hard, solid object that could be crammed down the barrel. As rifling was developed and the bores of long guns became smaller, the shotgun became its own separate entity.\u00a0Common guns could no longer shoot both shot and bullets. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Shotguns became a popular tool in bird hunting, and found use among guards and law enforcement; it wasn\u2019t until later in the 19th century that they started to become useful in<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>the military. Although they were used by both sides during the Civil War, the shotgun became especially useful in the trench warfare of World War I. It also saw service in the tight jungle combat of World War II\u2019s Pacific Theater. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Today, shotguns are largely a specialty weapon among the military.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s1\">Their most common purpose is a hunting tool.\u00a0 However, many of us rely on shotguns for home defense and many others are passionate about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nssf.org\/shooting\/shotgun\/\">shotgun shooting sports<\/a> like trap and skeet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The most popular shotgun caliber, by far, is the 12-gauge. But the 20-gauge, which is smaller and lighter, certainly has its uses among hunters and people concerned with home-defense. It&#8217;s obvious both calibers have a loyal fanbase all over the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"mc-shortcode\">\n    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__carousel\">\n                                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"1\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/federal-power-shok-12-gauge-2-3-4-1-oz-rifled-hp-slug-5-rounds?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/4\/5\/45fd8585bf96f3c36e78c04e7d60d8fd_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $8.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            Federal Power Shok 12 Gauge 2 3\/4\" 1 oz. Rifled HP Slug - 5 Rounds                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"2\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/250rds-12-gauge-winchester-super-target-2-3-4-1-1-8oz-2-3-4-dram-7-1-2-shot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/6\/2\/62131750fb8a47240fde951c2980b971_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $94.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            250rds - 12 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2 3\/4\" 1 1\/8oz. 2 3\/4 Dram #7 1\/2 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"3\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/25rds-12-gauge-winchester-super-target-2-3-4-1-1-8oz-2-3-4-dram-7-1-2-shot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/f\/4\/f487363158ca28635839fafaab145dba_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $11.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            25rds - 12 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2 3\/4\" 1 1\/8oz. 2 3\/4 Dram #7 1\/2 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"4\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/5rds-12-gauge-hornady-2-34-300gr-sst-sabot-slug-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/5\/5\/550a6358b8bf28a7096c7d809e19544d.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $16.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            5rds - 12 Gauge Hornady 2 3\/4\" 300gr. SST Sabot Slug Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"5\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/250rds-12-gauge-winchester-aa-heavy-target-load-2-3-4-1-1-8-ounce-8-shot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/0\/2\/02a1d7877a45c004f6192e06f05af552_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $124.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            250rds - 12 Gauge Winchester AA Heavy Target Load 2-3\/4\" 1-1\/8 Ounce #8 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"6\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/12-ga-2-3-4-slug-1-ounce-sellier-bellot-250-rounds?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/e\/5\/e5a5e307a345534324d6fe92c8db5342.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $264.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            250rds - 12 Gauge Sellier & Bellot 2 3\/4\" 1oz. Slugs                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"7\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/250rds-20-gauge-federal-top-gun-target-load-2-3-4-7-8-oz-9-shot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/0\/f\/0fad019df9091dafbb19c62f22954135_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $99.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            250rds - 20 Gauge Federal Top Gun Target Load 2 3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #9 Shot                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"8\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/federal-12-ga-ammo-25-rounds-of-1-1-8-oz-7-shot-steel-ammunition?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/9\/5\/95d1ab297b59f27ff12b13f2a0c8a67a.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $14.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            25rds - 12 Gauge Federal Steel Target Load 2 3\/4\" 2 3\/4 Dram 1 1\/8oz. #7 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"9\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/25rds-20-gauge-federal-top-gun-2-3-4-7-8-oz-7-shot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/9\/a\/9adeac35736c8764e19fd9afbba94fbc.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $17.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            25rds - 20 Gauge Federal Top Gun 2-3\/4\" 7\/8 oz. #7 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"10\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/25rds-12-gauge-federal-game-shok-2-3-4-1-1-4-ounce-6-shot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/9\/2\/92a1d7e4a44c7ec34663434d5fd52f3e_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $18.55                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            25rds - 12 Gauge Federal Game-Shok 2-3\/4\" 1-1\/4 Ounce #6 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"11\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/12-ga-2-3-4-target-1-1-8oz-8-winchester-super-target-25-rounds?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/4\/d\/4d59908dfaf347a501eb468f8dd91749_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $10.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            25rds - 12 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2 3\/4\" 1 1\/8oz. 2 3\/4 Dram #8 Shot                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"12\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/10rds-12-ga-hornady-critical-defense-full-power-8-pellet-00-buckshot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/4\/1\/417cfa8860fcda103a25cf182e61d84b.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $18.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            10rds \u2013 12 Gauge Hornady Critical Defense 2-3\/4\" 8 Pellets 00 Buckshot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"13\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/federal-12-ga-ammo-25-rounds-of-1-oz-8-shot-lead-ammunition?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/9\/e\/9ef001a7f18445509750e53075909f01_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $10.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            25rds \u2013 12 Gauge Federal Top Gun 2-3\/4\" 1oz. #8 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"14\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/250rds-20-gauge-federal-top-gun-target-load-2-34-78oz-8-shot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/8\/0\/802d8efc037da973d5b28e0600babf80_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $94.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            250rds - 20 Gauge Federal Top Gun Target Load 2 3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #8 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"15\">\n                <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/25rds-20-gauge-federal-top-gun-target-load-2-34-78oz-8-shot-ammo?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=12-gauge-vs-20-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-contanier\">\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/0\/a\/0a593f82095832c0304560e52fba59d6_5.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                                            $11.95                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-logo\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\" alt=\"logo\" width=\"44\" height=\"40\" \/>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-title\">\n                            25rds - 20 Gauge Federal Top Gun Target Load 2 3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #8 Shot Ammo                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__pagination\">\n        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-left\" onClick=\"handleMcGetPreviousSlides(event);\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"left icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-steps\">\n                                                                        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-number mc-shortcode__nav-number--selected\" data-slideIndex=\"2\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n                    1                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-number\" data-slideIndex=\"4\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n                    2                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-number\" data-slideIndex=\"6\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n                    3                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-number mc-shortcode__nav-number--hidden\" data-slideIndex=\"8\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n                    4                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-number mc-shortcode__nav-number--hidden\" data-slideIndex=\"10\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n                    5                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-number mc-shortcode__nav-number--hidden\" data-slideIndex=\"12\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n                    6                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-number mc-shortcode__nav-number--hidden\" data-slideIndex=\"14\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n                    7                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-number mc-shortcode__nav-number--hidden\" data-slideIndex=\"16\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n                    8                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-right mc-shortcode__nav-right--active\" onClick=\"handleMcGetNextSlides(event);\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-right.svg\" alt=\"right icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"s1\">12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge Performance Comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Price<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Note: Prices in this article are used for context and example only and do not represent a pricing offer. Please see our site for current and official pricing.<\/em><br \/>\n<em>You may assume that because 20-gauge ammunition has less material, it would be cheaper, but this is not necessarily the case. In most stores, 12-gauge ammunition is just as affordable as 20-gauge ammo.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The inventory for both of these rounds is massive, so comparing price is tough, but as of writing this article, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/shotgun-ammo-12-gauge\">12-gauge<\/a> was available for about $0.35 to over $5.00 per shot; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/shotgun-ammo-20-gauge\">20-gauge<\/a> was available for about $0.35 to $4.50 per shot. So while the 12 may be more expensive at the higher end, overall prices are similar.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><em>Price Winner: Draw<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Spread<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2790\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2790\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2790 size-full\" title=\"20 gauge spread at 25 feet\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-V2.jpg\" alt=\"photo of 20 gauge shotgun shell hole in paper\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-V2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-V2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-V2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-V2-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2790\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Winchester Super Target, 20 Gauge Round, 2-3\/4 Inch, 1200 Velocity, 8 Shot fired at 25 feet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">By \u201cspread,\u201d we are referring to the width, height, and length (commonly called the \u201cstring\u201d) of the pellets fired from the shell. In most cases, you will find that 12-gauge shotguns have a wider and more dense spread, although this is heavily dependent on the choke you are using. However, if a wide (while still effective) spread is important, a 12-gauge gives you better results.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2792\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2792\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2792 size-full\" title=\"12 gauge spread at 25 feet\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-1.jpg\" alt=\"photo of 12 gauge shotgun cartridge spread on paper target\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATG-12-Vs-20-SBS-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2792\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Federal Target Load, 12 Gauge Shell, 2-3\/4 Inch, 1145 Velocity, 8 Shot, fired from 25 feet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When you compare the photos above, it&#8217;s clear there are more pellets on target and it&#8217;s a much more dense pattern for the 12 gauge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><em>Spread Winner: 12-gauge<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2807\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2018-07-18-at-7.45.35-AM.png\" alt=\"Firing a 12 gauge shotgun\" width=\"1000\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2018-07-18-at-7.45.35-AM.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2018-07-18-at-7.45.35-AM-300x204.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Recoil<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The recoil from the 20-gauge is lighter. This means experienced shooters, youth, and smaller individuals may find the 20-gauge easier to handle. This improves accuracy, allows for faster follow-up shots, and boosts confidence, leading to a more enjoyable shooting experience.<\/p>\n<p>Just how much lighter is the 20-gauge\u2019s recoil? We entered the numbers for a few rounds into a recoil calculator; here\u2019s what we found:<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-703\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-703\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\">Muzzle Velocity (ft-lbs)<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Muzzle Energy <br \/>\n(fps)<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Recoil Energy (ft-lbs)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Federal Power-Shok<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 438-grain Sabot Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1500<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">2,188<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Federal Power-Shok<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 328-grain Sabot Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,450<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,531<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-703 from cache -->\n<p>(For both, we used a 15-grain charge weight and a 6-pound firearm.)<br \/>\nAgain, this is a small sample size, but overall the results are not surprising. The 12-gauge will deliver more force to the shoulder so in the 12-gauge vs 20-gauge debate, the recoil advantage might be enough to have you leaning toward the smaller shotgun. However, 12-gauge shotguns are often heavier, so some of the recoil will be absorbed.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><em>Recoil Winner: 20-gauge<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Velocity<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-700\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-700\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Product<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Muzzle Velocity (fps)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Federal Prairie Storm<br \/>\n3-inch, 1 5\/8 oz, #5 shot<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,350<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Federal Prairie Storm<br \/>\n3-inch, 1 1\/4 oz, #5 shot<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Remington Duck Club Steel<br \/>\n3-inch, 1 1\/4 oz, #3 shot<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Remington Duck Club Steel<br \/>\n3-inch, 1 oz, #3 shot<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Fiocchi Golden Turkey<br \/>\n3-inch, 1 3\/4 oz, #5 shot<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Fiocchi Golden Turkey <br \/>\n3-inch, 1 1\/4 oz, #5 shot<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge AA Diamond Grade<br \/>\n2 3\/4-inch, 1 oz, #7.55 shot<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Fiocchi Golden Turkey <br \/>\n2 1\/5-inch, 7\/8 oz, #7.5 shot<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Federal Power-Shok<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 438-grain Sabot Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Federal Power-Shok<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 328-grain Sabot Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Winchester Super-X<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 1-ounce Rifled Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-18\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Winchester Super-X<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 3\/4-ounce Rifled Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-19\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-20\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Federal TruBall<br \/>\n3 inch, 438-grain Rifled Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,700<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-21\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Federal TruBall<br \/>\n3 inch, 328-ounce Rifled Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,700<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-700 from cache -->\n<p>You may assume (like many) that the 12 gauge would have a clear velocity advantage. This is actually not the case, as we see from the stats above that, at least for muzzle stats, the 20 gauge is nearly as fast as the 12, and often meets or exceeds the 12\u2019s speed rating. Even when the 12 gauge is faster, it\u2019s not overwhelming.<\/p>\n<p>But what should we make of this even velocity? If we have one takeaway, it\u2019s that the 20-gauge should not be underestimated as a hunting and defense tool. All ballistics, from energy to terminal performance, start with speed, and while the 20-gauge packs smaller loads, it clearly delivers ample velocity.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"s1\"><em>Velocity Winner: Draw<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Energy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-702\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-702\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Product<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Muzzle Energy (fps)<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">50 yards<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">100 yards<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Federal Power-Shok<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 438-grain Sabot Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2,188<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,773<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1,452<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Federal Power-Shok<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 328-grain Sabot Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,531<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,158<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">911<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Winchester Super-X<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 1-ounce Rifled Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2,488<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,310<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">882<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Winchester Super-X<br \/>\n2 3\/4 inch, 3\/4-ounce Rifled Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,865<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">981<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">660<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">12 Gauge Federal TruBall<br \/>\n3 inch, 438-grain Rifled Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2,810<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,494<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">963<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">20 Gauge Federal TruBall<br \/>\n3 inch, 328-ounce Rifled Slug<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2,105<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,215<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">792<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-702 from cache -->\n<p>Our sample size is small and only includes slugs (because shotgun energy data is not provided for pellets and shot), but you don\u2019t need a large scientific study to realize that the 12-gauge is clearly more powerful.<\/p>\n<p>The round delivers as much speed as the 20-gauge, but does so with heavier projectiles. The result is more power from the muzzle to the target.<\/p>\n<p>Again, however, you shouldn\u2019t underestimate the 20-gauge. With a muzzle energy of roughly 1,500 to 2,000 ft-lbs, this load holds up against some of the most popular rifle and handgun rounds, even ones known for heavy power.<\/p>\n<p>For example, typical .30-30 Winchester cartridges have roughly 1,700 to 2,000 ft-lbs of energy. That\u2019s right in line with a 20-gauge shell. The .44 Magnum, which is virtually synonymous with power, has roughly 1,300 ft-lbs of energy. The 20-gauge can easily out-power this forceful round.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"s1\"><em>Energy Winner: 12-gauge<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Range<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Because the 12-gauge, in general, is faster in exit velocity than the 20-gauge, it will also have a better effective range. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Because of that increased range, hunters can place shots with confidence on geese and ducks that may be out of range for users of a 20-gauge shotgun. The same is true for slug shells we referenced earlier; despite throwing a lighter slug, the 20-gauge has more drop than the 12-gauge. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><em>Effective Range Winner: 12-gauge<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Versatility<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cVersatility\u201d is a tough characteristic to determine in any firearms comparison, but in a shotgun it can be almost impossible. (Because, quite frankly, they are <em>all<\/em> versatile.) <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">While the 20-gauge is certainly a great all-around gun, most would agree that the 12-gauge is the more versatile of the two. With a 12-gauge shotgun, you can do a wide range of activities, especially given the choke options that are available with today\u2019s firearms. Also, most ammo manufacturers have twice or three-times as many 12-gauge options than 20-gauge choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">With a 12-gauge shotgun you can have more power for sports like deer and turkey. You also have the range required to make longer shots on fowl such as geese and migrating ducks. You can also scale down the 12-gauge with shorter, smaller ammunition, allowing you to pursue smaller game. While the 20-gauge is undoubtably a versatile load, we think the 12-gauge has a slight edge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><em>Versatility Winner: 12-gauge (Slight advantage)<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Bottomline of the 20 Ga vs. 12 Ga Debate:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2798\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2798\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2798 size-full\" title=\"12 gauge shotgun leaning against a tree\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5862-Web.jpg\" alt=\"photo of a remington 870 shotgun with ammo leaning against a tree\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5862-Web.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5862-Web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSS5862-Web-787x524.jpg 787w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2798\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Remington 870 shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, is a popular choice for hunters and sports shooters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>When to Buy a 12-gauge<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The 12-gauge is the best choice when you want to tackle a wide range of jobs with a single shotgun. Using the more powerful 12, you can pursue ducks, pheasants, rabbits, and many other small animals, while still having enough power for turkey, deer, hogs, and more. This is, frankly, the best option for high versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to Buy a 20-gauge<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The main benefits of a 20-gauge shotgun are the smaller size and manageable recoil. Many prefer the 20 for upland bird hunting because it\u2019s lighter and easier to tote through grass and brush while still delivering enough power and speed to drop birds. It\u2019s also better if you want less recoil for high-volume shooting sports, such as clay shooting. And, we should note, a<span class=\"s1\">\u00a020-gauge shot can deliver over twice as much energy as a .44 Remington Magnum, so lack of power is <em>not<\/em> a concern!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Either the 12-gauge or the 20-gauge can give you outstanding performance in the field. Frankly, both are formidable home-defense tools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Have thoughts on this great caliber debate? We&#8217;d love to hear them in the comments below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s a common debate, especially among first-time shotgun buyers. Should you go with a 12 gauge or a 20 gauge shotgun? In this article, let&#8217;s look at the benefits of each caliber and why you might select one over the other.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2794,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,142,3],"tags":[82,83,84],"class_list":["post-2683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ammo-topics","category-caliber-comparisons","category-hunting","tag-12-gauge","tag-20-gauge","tag-shotgun"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge - What is the Superior Shotgun Caliber?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A common shotgun debate - 12 gauge vs. 20 gauge. 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