{"id":2683,"date":"2018-07-18T14:51:08","date_gmt":"2018-07-18T14:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=2683"},"modified":"2025-10-06T20:05:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T20:05:33","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":"

When comparing shotguns and shotgun ammunition, few topics are as complex as 12 gauge vs. 20 gauge. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Shotgun 101: Understanding \u201cGauge\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

In This Case, Smaller is Bigger<\/h4>\n
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The 20 gauge shotgun is a popular choice for small game hunters and sports shooters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

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

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

Special Note: 20-gauge Shells are Always Yellow<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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20 gauge shotgun shells are always yellow in color.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s also important to note that 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

History of the Shotgun Shell<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

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\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

Today, shotguns are largely a specialty weapon among the military.\u00a0<\/span>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 shotgun shooting sports<\/a> like trap and skeet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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’s obvious both calibers have a loyal fanbase all over the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n \"product\"\n <\/div>\n
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\n $8.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"logo\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n Federal Power Shok 12 Gauge 2 3\/4\" 1 oz. Rifled HP Slug - 5 Rounds <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"product\"\n <\/div>\n
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\n $94.95 <\/div>\n
\n $88.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"logo\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\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