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Lindcott Armory

Cartridge comparison

12 Gauge vs 16 Gauge

12 Gauge and 16 Gauge are both in the reference; see the full spec comparison below.

Side by side

12 Gauge16 Gauge
TypeShotgunShotgun
Introduced18701866
Bullet diameter0.729″0.6614″
Case length2.75″2.75″
Max pressure11,500 psi11,500 psi
Recoil22–35 ft·lb18–26 ft·lb
Effective range50 yd50 yd

Highlighted cells hold the clear edge where both sides have a number. Every figure is a range maximum from the reference; typical loads run lower.

Case profiles, to scale

Drawn to the same scale, so the proportions are true. Physical size varies with your screen.

ToolOverlay 12 Gauge and 16 Gauge trajectories with real loads in Ballistic Compare