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Lindcott Armory

Shotgun · SAAMI

28 Gauge

Also known as 28 ga · 28 bore

The most capable small-bore shotgun gauge.

Caliber
0.55″ · 13.97 mm
Introduced
1900
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Upland Game, Sporting Clays
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains218 · 328 · 383 gr
Identity
Introduced
1900
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
12,500 psi
Eff. range
25 yd
Max range
120 yd
Recoil
10–16 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 28 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 ⌀ 13.970.550 ~
Neck ⌀ 15.570.613 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 15.900.626 ✓
Rim ⌀ 17.450.687 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.550.061 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 69.852.750 ✓
Overall length 63.502.500 ~

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. 28 Gauge is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

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

Suitable powders

8 reloading powders listed for 28 Gauge, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Vectan BA10N310Red DotClaysAmerican SelectInternational ClaysGreen DotUniversal
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 28 Gauge

12 models in the database chamber 28 Gauge. Browse all →

Benelli Ethos Field 28gaFranchi Affinity 3 28 ga 26-inchPointer Pointer Acrius 28 Gauge O/URadikal MK3 28 Gauge O/UBenelli Super Black Eagle 3 28 GaugeRemArms 870 Fieldmaster 28 GA 25-inchFranchi Affinity 3 28gaFranchi Affinity 3 28 GaugePointer Pointer O/U 28 Gauge FieldFabarm Elos N2 28 Gauge O/UFranchi Affinity 3 20 Gauge 26-inchATA Arms Venza 28 Gauge O/U

Connected reference

Loads224 factory loads for 28 GaugeReloading8 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in 28 Gauge

History

Developed in the early 20th century as a small-bore option. Found a niche with upland bird hunters who wanted lighter guns. Surprisingly effective because its tight choke patterns compensate for the smaller payload.

FAQs

What twist rate does 28 Gauge use?
28 Gauge typically uses a N/A (smoothbore) twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 28 Gauge?
28 Gauge uses a 0.55″ (13.97 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 28 Gauge still in production?
28 Gauge is active; typical availability is common.
What is 28 Gauge used for?
28 Gauge is primarily used for upland game, sporting clays.
What are the best powders for 28 Gauge?
Reloading powders commonly listed for 28 Gauge include Vectan BA10, N310, Red Dot, Clays, among 8 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 224 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →