16 gauge or 12 gauge?

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16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by TwelveCheeseSticks » 11 May 2021, 8:04 pm

Recently saw a cheap 16 gauge for sale at my local gunshop, and i am really tempted to buy it. Problem is, I've had my heart set on a 12 gauge at a similar price point.

Fairly certain im just going to get the 12 gauge, but whats the availability for 16 gauge ammunition like in the greatest state (QLD)? Is 16 gauge good for clays or is it more of a hunting cartridge? Ive heard theyre a bit more expensive than 12 gauge, but havent been able to find any pricing online.

cheers
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by LawrenceA » 11 May 2021, 8:26 pm

The 16g is now really a connoisseurs cartridge.
It is a great cartridge but 12g is the way to go as you can get light to heavy 12g loads easily and relatively cheaply.
You will be lucky to find a reliable supply of 16g and they will be considerably dearer.
The price does not matter if you hunt occasionally but if you go through 100 rounds a week busting clays it adds up quickly.
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by mchughcb » 12 May 2021, 9:13 pm

16 gauge is a great cartridge but the selection is limited in Australia. 12G or 20G for cheap ammo.
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by Bugman » 13 May 2021, 7:31 am

I think a 12 gauge is the go for oz hunting. 16 is a tad light imo.
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by CT hillbilly » 13 May 2021, 7:50 am

I use a pardus straight pull 12g for pigs mainly but it’s great for bunny’s with No.4 shot if you go the 16g be sure to let us no how she goes as I have never shot one?
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by mchughcb » 13 May 2021, 8:07 am

Bugman wrote:I think a 12 gauge is the go for oz hunting. 16 is a tad light imo.


Lol, 16G you can't tell the difference. Even 20G in my experience kills foxes, ducks, rabbits and hares the same.
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by Skinna » 13 May 2021, 2:43 pm

LOL.

I would say go 12G, 20G, & then a 410 for a nice variety at the same time as keeping feeding cost down.
Id like a 20G for some bunny fun, & a 410 lever for even more fun.
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by Oldbloke » 13 May 2021, 4:26 pm

I would like to suggest
12g OR
12g
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by FNQ » 13 May 2021, 8:20 pm

12GA all day everyday.

16GA is a collectors piece.
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by Blr243 » 13 May 2021, 8:33 pm

Many years ago when I used to walk melon hole country a 12 was ok for quick shooting of pigs as I flushed them from clumps of lime bush but now mine sits in the safe it’s completely useless to me at the moment. One day if the situation changes it might be useful. No point selling it I’ll just see what eventuates
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by Diamond Jim » 14 May 2021, 1:09 am

TwelveCheeseSticks wrote:Recently saw a cheap 16 gauge for sale at my local gunshop, and i am really tempted to buy it. Problem is, I've had my heart set on a 12 gauge at a similar price point.

Fairly certain im just going to get the 12 gauge, but whats the availability for 16 gauge ammunition like in the greatest state (QLD)? Is 16 gauge good for clays or is it more of a hunting cartridge? Ive heard theyre a bit more expensive than 12 gauge, but havent been able to find any pricing online.

cheers


I'm not sure what a "cheap" 16G means but if it's a well known maker and you are not put off by the higher cost of ammunition then why not? The 16G will do just about everything you could expect a 12G to do but with a little more exclusivity. If I saw a "cheap" 28G or 410 bore sxs or u/o I'd be tempted. Be aware that ammo costs will be well north of 12G prices and variety of loads will be limited compared to 12G.
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by wrenchman » 15 May 2021, 8:46 am

16 gauge is a bird hunters gun here in the states before steel shot mandated for water foul you would see more of them I have a a5 Browning in 16 gauge that was my dad's
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by duncan61 » 16 May 2021, 9:09 pm

If you had a heap of shotguns it would make a great novelty.All shotguns have about the same range there is just more lead shot with a 12 bore.If it is your first shotgun go the 12g as you can buy target 7-8 shot cheaper than you can make it and it is very good on parrot size birds and rabbits.Heavier shot will go further and SG in 12 bore is dangerous out to 100 metres.I have not done ballistic testing with sabot solids so have no idea how they go but at $12 for 5 I am not going to find out.Walking country with a shotgun is an artform and is done in every country in the world.Enjoy the journey I sure did
.22 winchester .22hornet .222 .243 7mm rem mag cbc 12g
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by duncan61 » 16 May 2021, 9:19 pm

Premier Copper Solid Sabot Slugs

Since the advent of the deer slug, hunters have been looking for ways to reduce the felt recoil of these heavy-hitting, highly effective loads.
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Type: Premier Copper Solid
Cartridge: 12 guage
Length: 2.75"
Weight: 1 oz
Velocity: 1450 FPS
Box QTY: 5
i went looking and found this
.22 winchester .22hornet .222 .243 7mm rem mag cbc 12g
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Re: 16 gauge or 12 gauge?

Post by snag » 20 May 2021, 9:55 pm

Seriously, can you even get cartridges for a 16 guage? If you can, reckon they'd be bloody dear.
The pen may be mightier than the sword, but personally I prefer the .30/30 Winchester.
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