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Lindcott Armory Lindcott Armory
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Shotgun · SAAMI

12 Gauge

Also known as 12ga · 18.5x70mm · 3.5" 12 Gauge

Most popular shotgun gauge worldwide.

Caliber
0.729″ · 18.517 mm
Introduced
1870
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Hunting, Self Defense, Target
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains437 · 492 · 546 gr
Identity
Introduced
1870
Type
Shotgun
Origin
United Kingdom
Inventor
Various
Manufacturer
Fiocchi; Federal (factory ammunition)
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Abundant
Build
Case capacity
257.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
N/A (smoothbore)
Primer
209 Shotshell
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
11,500 psi, SAAMI transducer
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
135 yd
Recoil
22–35 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 12 Gauge.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 18.520.729 ✓
Neck ⌀ 20.240.797 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 20.550.809 ~
Rim ⌀ 22.500.886 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.460.057 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 69.852.750 ✓
Overall length 69.852.750 ~

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 12 Gauge is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

44 reloading powders listed for 12 Gauge, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

No. 1CSB1BA10Vectan BA10TiteWadS065RS10Bull's-EyeRed DotBA9.5IMR Hi-Skor 700XRS12700XS070ClaysBA9Winchester 452AAe3CSB2American Select
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in 12 Gauge

4,666 models chambered in 12 Gauge

Remington 870 FieldmasterBeretta A350 Xtrema 12ga 28-inchBenelli Ethos Sport II 12ga 30-inchBeretta A300 Ultima PatrolBenelli Ethos Sport II 12ga 28-inchKalashnikov USA US-132TPanzer Arms AR12 Elite 12 Gauge OD GreenRadikal MK3 12 Gauge Youth O/UBrowning Maxus II Sporting Golden Clays 12 ga 30-inchMossberg 940 Pro Tactical 12 ga 18.5-inch (FDE)Mossberg 940 Pro WaterfowlFabarm XLR5 Evo 12 Gauge

Connected reference

Reloading44 suitable powders — cross-reference

History

Standardized in 1870s. Named because 12 lead balls of bore diameter equal 1 pound. Became dominant shotgun gauge. Used in both World Wars and every conflict since.

FAQs

What twist rate does 12 Gauge use?
12 Gauge typically uses a N/A (smoothbore) twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 12 Gauge?
12 Gauge uses a 0.729″ (18.517 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 12 Gauge still in production?
12 Gauge is active; typical availability is abundant.
What is 12 Gauge used for?
12 Gauge is primarily used for hunting, self defense, target, military.
What are the best powders for 12 Gauge?
Reloading powders commonly listed for 12 Gauge include No. 1, CSB1, BA10, Vectan BA10, among 44 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 1,347 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →

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