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.

Shotgun · SAAMI

16 Gauge

16 ga16 bore

The gentleman's gauge.

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

Velocity1,150–1,300 fps

Energy1,100–1,600 ft·lb

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

Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd

Open in Ballistic Compare ↗

By real loads: 1,175–1,600 fps · 138 loads
Parent case: —

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

Performance

Best for HuntingRemington Slugger Slug485 gr · Slug · 1,600 fpsBuy now →

Best for DefenseFederal Power-Shok384 gr · Slug · 1,600 fpsBuy now →

Best for TargetBaschieri & Pellagri MB Classic464 gr · 1.0625oz #7.5 Shot · 1,300 fpsBuy now →

Buy links open 16 Gauge ammunition at Rivertown Munitions.

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

Measure	mm	in	✓
Bullet ⌀	16.80	0.661	·
Neck ⌀	18.55	0.730	·
Shoulder ⌀	n/a
Shoulder angle	n/a
Base ⌀	18.90	0.744	~
Rim ⌀	20.65	0.813	~
Belt ⌀	n/a
Rim thickness	1.65	0.065	·
Neck length	n/a
Case length	69.85	2.750	·
Overall length	62.87	2.475	~

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

In production — 138 active loads across 30 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 142 →.

Brand	Load	Grain	Bullet	FPS	ft·lb	BC
Remington	Slugger Slug	485	Slug	1,600	2,756	—
Browning	BXS Slug	383	Rifled Slug	1,600	2,177	—
Remington	Slugger Rifled Slug	1	Rifled Slug	1,600	6	—
Remington	Slugger	390	Lead Slug	1,600	2,217	—
Remington	Slugger Rifled Slug	1300	Rifled Slug	1,600	7,388	—
Hornady	American Whitetail Slug	1325	Interlock FP	1,600	7,530	—
Winchester	Super-X Slug	485	Slug	1,600	2,756	—
Winchester	Super-X Rifled	390	Rifled Slug	1,600	2,217	—
Federal	TruBall	390	Rifled Slug	1,600	2,217	—
Federal	Power-Shok Slug	1300	Slug HP	1,600	7,388	—
Federal	Power-Shok	384	Slug	1,600	2,182	—
Winchester	Super-X	384	Slug	1,600	2,182	—
Fiocchi	Slug	383	Rifled Slug	1,575	2,109	—
Brenneke	Classic Rifled Slug	—	1 1/8 oz Rifled Slug	1,566	—	—
Remington	Slugger	384	Slug	1,560	2,075	—

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

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.

Powder $/lbCharge (gr)Bullet $/eaPrimer $/eaBrass reusesBrass $/ea

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 16ga 26-inchBrowning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 ga 26-inchRizzini Artemis 16 GaugeMerkel 1620 E 16 GaugeMerkel 40E SxS 12 GaugeMerkel Model 1620EL 16 ga 28-inchBrowning BPS Field 16 GA 28-inchMerkel Model 360EL 16 ga 28-inchBrowning Citori (Classic)Krieghoff Hubertus 20 Gauge

Connected reference

Loads142 factory loads for 16 Gauge↗Reloading1 suitable powder — cross-reference↗FirearmsFirearms in 16 Gauge↗ToolCompare ballistics↗

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 →