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Lindcott Armory

Shotgun · SAAMI

16 Gauge

Also known as 16 ga · 16 bore

The gentleman's gauge.

Caliber
0.6614″ · 16.8 mm
Introduced
1866
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Upland Game, Waterfowl
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains384 · 390 · 492 gr
Identity
Introduced
1866
Type
Shotgun
Origin
United Kingdom
Inventor
Various (historical)
Manufacturer
Various
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Common
Build
Twist (typical)
N/A (smoothbore)
Primer
209 Shotshell
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
11,500 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
150 yd
Recoil
18–26 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 16 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.

CIP TDCC · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 16.800.661 ·
Neck ⌀ 18.550.730 ·
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 18.900.744 ~
Rim ⌀ 20.650.813 ~
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.650.065 ·
Neck length n/a
Case length 69.852.750 ·
Overall length 62.872.475 ~

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. 16 Gauge is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

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

Suitable powders

1 reloading powder listed for 16 Gauge, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

International Clays
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 16 Gauge

12 models in the database chamber 16 Gauge. Browse all →

Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Field Grade IIBrowning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 ga 28-inchBrowning A5 Sweet 16 16 Gauge 28"Browning A5 Sweet 16 16 Gauge 26"Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 ga 26-inchBrowning A5 Sweet 16 16ga 26-inchBrowning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 26-inchBrowning A5 Sweet SixteenFausti DEA SxSBrowning BPS Field 16 GaugeArrieta Model 557Browning BPS Field 16 Gauge 26-inch

Connected reference

Loads142 factory loads for 16 GaugeReloading1 suitable powder — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in 16 Gauge

History

Popular through the 19th and early 20th centuries as the upland game gauge of choice in Europe and America. Declined after WWII as 12 gauge and 20 gauge shells improved. Experiencing a modest revival among traditionalists.

FAQs

What twist rate does 16 Gauge use?
16 Gauge typically uses a N/A (smoothbore) twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 16 Gauge?
16 Gauge uses a 0.6614″ (16.8 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 16 Gauge still in production?
16 Gauge is active; typical availability is common.
What is 16 Gauge used for?
16 Gauge is primarily used for upland game, waterfowl.
What are the best powders for 16 Gauge?
Reloading powders commonly listed for 16 Gauge include International Clays.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 138 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →