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Lindcott Armory

Shotgun · SAAMI

20 Gauge

Also known as 20ga · 15.6x70mm

Popular hunting gauge.

Caliber
0.615″ · 15.621 mm
Introduced
1870
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Hunting, Target
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains273 · 383 · 437 gr
Identity
Introduced
1870
Type
Shotgun
Origin
United Kingdom
Inventor
Various
Manufacturer
Various
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Abundant
Build
Twist (typical)
N/A (smoothbore)
Primer
209 Shotshell
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
12,000 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Recoil
15–22 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 20 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 ⌀ 15.620.615 ·
Neck ⌀ 17.370.684 ~
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 17.700.697 ·
Rim ⌀ 19.460.766 ·
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.230.048 ·
Neck length n/a
Case length 70.102.760 ·
Overall length 62.102.445 ~

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. 20 Gauge is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

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

Suitable powders

19 reloading powders listed for 20 Gauge, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

No. 1CSB1BA10Vectan BA10TiteWadRed DotBA9.5RS12700XClaysBA9Winchester 452AAAmerican SelectInternational ClaysGreen DotIMR Hi-Skor 800XUniversalHercoIMR SR7625
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 20 Gauge

12 models in the database chamber 20 Gauge. Browse all →

Browning Maxus II Hunter 20 GaugeGForce Arms GF3T 20 Gauge 26-inchFranchi Affinity 3 Elite Walnut 20gaBenelli Ethos Upland 20gaBenelli Ethos BE.S.T. 20gaRetay Arms Gordion 20 ga 26-inchWinchester SXP Hybrid Hunter 20 GaugeRemington 870 Fieldmaster 20 Gauge 26-inchFranchi Affinity 3 Compact Walnut 20gaFranchi Affinity 3 20 Gauge 3-inch 26-inchFranchi Affinity 3 12 Gauge 3-inch 28-inchPointer Pointer Acrius 20 Gauge O/U

Connected reference

Loads553 factory loads for 20 GaugeReloading19 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in 20 Gauge

History

Standardized with other gauges in 1870s. Less popular than 12 gauge but significant following. Preferred by many upland hunters for lighter weight.

FAQs

What twist rate does 20 Gauge use?
20 Gauge typically uses a N/A (smoothbore) twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 20 Gauge?
20 Gauge uses a 0.615″ (15.621 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 20 Gauge still in production?
20 Gauge is active; typical availability is abundant.
What is 20 Gauge used for?
20 Gauge is primarily used for hunting, target.
What are the best powders for 20 Gauge?
Reloading powders commonly listed for 20 Gauge include No. 1, CSB1, BA10, Vectan BA10, among 19 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 551 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →