Gauge was determined from the weight of a solid sphere of lead that will fit the bore of the firearm and is expressed as the multiplicative inverse of the sphere's weight as a fraction of a pound, e.g., a one-twelfth pound lead ball fits a 12-gauge bore.

Oct 18, 2024 · Ever wondered why the internal bore dimensions of 12 bore shotguns vary? These differences are not random—they play a significant role in how your shotgun performs and even how it feels to shoot. The internal bore diameter refers to the size of the barrel’s inner wall.

Feb 5, 2025 · So, 12 lead balls of a certain diameter would weigh a pound, giving a 12-bore or 16, 20 or 28. The .410, oddly, is measured in inches and so the term .410 gauge is correct if inelegant. Single ball firearms. Today we think of 2-bore, 4- and 8-bores as shotguns but in the 19th century they were also used as single-ball firearms for big game ...

A 12 gauge shotgun has a 0.725 inch bore diameter, but the “12” is calculated in a different way. The 12 refers to how many lead balls of size equal to the bore diameter (so 0.725 inches around) that it would take to weigh one pound.

Jun 16, 2022 · I’ll spoil the ending and tell you it’s the 12 gauge. The 12’s larger diameter means you can shoot whitetail with larger slugs and buckshot for more reliable kills. It offers a wider shot spread for upland birds, better patterns for waterfowl, and heavier pellets for turkeys.

Here's what you need to know about shotgun gauges, to include the differences between 10 gauge vs 12 gauge vs 20 gauge and other popular bore sizes.

The internal diameter of a 12 gauge shotgun barrel is therefore equal to the diameter of a lead ball weighing 1/12 pound, which happens to be .729" (Or in British: Bore.) .410 is not really a gauge, except by convention. It is the actual diameter of the bore in decimal inches.

A typical 12 bore ball and shot gun weighed 7 to 8 lb (3.2 to 3.6 kg), whilst a fully rifled 12 bore rifle would weigh over more than 10 lb (4.5 kg). Ball and shot guns were available in a variety of calibres, from 8 bore to 28 bore .

Feb 17, 2024 · The term “12 gauge” refers to a shotgun that has a bore diameter of .729 inches, meaning it takes 12 lead balls of equal size to weigh one pound. Gauge does not directly correlate to the shotgun’s power or recoil but is simply a standardized measure of the shotgun’s bore size.

Feb 22, 2025 · The 12-bore shotgun is a powerful and versatile firearm, offering a rich history and an array of features that cater to various shooting needs. By understanding its evolution, choosing the right model, and mastering the art of shooting, you can unlock its full potential. Whether you're a hunter, a sport shooter, or a collector, the 12-bore ...