why is 12 gauge more powerful?

[DJNEB 1]

so i am just curios - what makes the 12 gauge shogun more powerful than the 20? Does it have something to do with the way the gun is configured? or is the difference in the shell? or both? just curious - thanks for any answers.

[Pew Pew Plates 358]

For comparisons sake, lets compare target loads. They fire the same type of projectile at generally the same speeds with very similar maximum pressures. The only difference is the weight of the projectile(s). While they both have #8 shot going at say, 1200 FPS with 12,000 PSI, the 12GA will put out 1-1/8oz of lead and the 20 will put out 7/8oz

[Shocker 151]

Larger bore & chamber = more room for go-dust

 

EDIT: looks like you can get 6-10 more grains of powder in a 2.75" 12ga versus a 2.75" 20ga.

[Pew Pew Plates 358]

Larger bore & chamber = more room for go-dust

 

EDIT: looks like you can get 6-10 more grains of powder in a 2.75" 12ga versus a 2.75" 20ga.

 

 

there is no lack of space in 20ga for powder. While you can certainly pack in more powder, the lower volume of the shell means higher pressures. You reach the same pressures as 12ga but with less powder.

[Vlad G 345]

The other issue to consider is availability of ammunition. For example there is an argument to be made that certain 20ga sabot slugs have the same performance as the same slugs in 12ga, but because of popularity there are a lot more available options in ammunition in 12ga then 20ga. Then there is the issue of recoil. Even if you have identical performing loads, the 20ga may have more perceived recoil because most often 20ga shotguns are lighter. But your original questions, the "power" is from the shells, not the gun.

[Parker 213]

so i am just curios - what makes the 12 gauge shogun more powerful than the 20? Does it have something to do with the way the gun is configured? or is the difference in the shell? or both? just curious - thanks for any answers.

The larger bore size equates to more powder and larger payloads with less pressures. The 12 ga. can typically handle more in payload compared to the 20 ga. The largest 12 ga. offering, a 3.5" 12 ga. shell, can handle up to 2 1/4 oz. of lead shot. Powder charges can be as much as 36-38 grs. of slower-burning shotshell powders pushing this payload, depending on hull/wad combination. A 3" 12 ga. shell can handle up to 2 oz. of lead shot. The standard 2 3/4" shell can handle up to 1 5/8oz. of lead shot with the right wad/hull combination. Just note the variances in a standard to magnum configuration of the 12 ga. 00-buck load which can accommodate 9, 12 or 15 00's.

 

A 20 ga. 3" shell can accommodate up to 1 1/4 oz. of lead shot with safe pressures, while 2 3/4" shells are typically loaded with 7/8 oz. to 1 oz. of lead shot, but there are loads in the 2 3/4" shell that can go as high a 1 1/8 oz. in the right hull with the proper wad combination.

 

The smaller bore size operates are higher pressures so it cannot be pushed like a 12 ga. or 10 ga. can.