Compare / 20 Gauge vs .410 Bore

Cartridge comparison

20 Gauge vs .410 Bore

20 Gauge is faster (1,700 vs 1,300 fps); 20 Gauge carries more energy (2,500 vs 350 ft·lb); .410 Bore recoils less.

20 Gauge →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−120″120″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.410 Bore →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−36″36″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
20 Gauge.410 Bore
TypeShotgunShotgun
Introduced18701874
Bullet ⌀0.615″0.41″
Case length2.75″2.5″
Velocity1,100–1,700 fps1,100–1,300 fps
Energy1,200–2,500 ft·lb140–350 ft·lb
Max pressure12,000 psi13,500 psi
Recoil15–22 ft·lb8–12 ft·lb
Eff. range40 yd25 yd

FAQs

Is 20 Gauge faster than .410 Bore?
20 Gauge is faster — up to 1,700 fps versus 1,300 fps.
Does 20 Gauge hit harder than .410 Bore?
20 Gauge carries more muzzle energy (2,500 vs 350 ft·lb).