Shotgun · Proprietary
8 Gauge
Large-bore shotgun gauge used for waterfowl and dangerous game in the 19th century; 8-bore punt guns were common; currently illegal for hunting but produced for industrial use..
- Caliber
- 0.835″ · 21.209 mm
- Introduced
- 1860
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- Hunting, Sport shooting
- Status
- Limited
- Introduced
- 1860
- Type
- Shotgun
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Inventor
- Various
- Manufacturer
- Various
- Standard
- Proprietary
- Status
- Limited
- Availability
- Rare
- Case capacity
- 395.4 gr H₂O
- Primer
- Shotgun
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Eff. range
- 75 yd
- Max range
- 135 yd
- Recoil
- 20–30 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for 8 Gauge, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.
Open in Ballistic Compare- Parent case
- —
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
Wikipedia · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 21.21 | 0.835 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | — | — | |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 23.19 | 0.913 | ~ |
| Rim ⌀ | 25.35 | 0.998 | ~ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 2.03 | 0.080 | |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 82.55 | 3.250 | · |
| Overall length | 74.67 | 2.940 | |
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. 8 Gauge is highlighted below.
Missing a dimension for 8 Gauge? Some case measurements aren't in a published SAAMI/CIP drawing yet. Have a factory or reamer print? Send it → — verified hard-to-find data earns a free Lindcott sticker.
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 8 Gauge
Connected reference
History
Once popular for waterfowl hunting and dangerous game, the 8 gauge was effectively banned for hunting waterfowl in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act amendments. Large punt guns in 8 bore were used for commercial market hunting before being outlawed. Today 8 gauge shells are produced for industrial bird deterrence and by specialty loaders for antique gun collectors and film armourers.
FAQs
- What bullet diameter is 8 Gauge?
- 8 Gauge uses a 0.835″ (21.209 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 8 Gauge still in production?
- 8 Gauge is limited; typical availability is rare.
- What is 8 Gauge used for?
- 8 Gauge is primarily used for hunting, sport shooting.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
