12 gauge 16 gauge question.

[J. A. EARLY]

In theory, and probably in reality, the shorter shot string of the 12 on birds/clays where one has to pull a lead results in more pellets on the target. The longer shot string of a smaller bore with the same amount of shot means the target has moved on before the tail end of the string reaches the target.

[J. A. EARLY]

Originally Posted by Jerry Harlow

In theory, and probably in reality, the shorter shot string of the 12 on birds/clays where one has to pull a lead results in more pellets on the target. The longer shot string of a smaller bore with the same amount of shot means the target has moved on before the tail end of the string reaches the target.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edLXEqnicqk

At the end of the video this guy states a lead load shot string may be as long as 15 to 20 feet. With a string that long, the shorter the shot column (larger gauge) the more pellets arrive at or close to the same time.

[Stan Hillis]

Originally Posted by Jerry Harlow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edLXEqnicqk

At the end of the video this guy states a lead load shot string may be as long as 15 to 20 feet. With a string that long, the shorter the shot column (larger gauge) the more pellets arrive at or close to the same time.

Theoretically, yes. But, in practice, with a bird or clay flying at normal speeds, it doesn't matter. Also, we often forget that not all loads pattern the same, nor do different loads of identical velocity and payload have the same length shotstring.

After a lifetime of shooting both 12s and 16s on game I can say that I can find no practical difference between identical loads in a 12 or a 16.

SRH