How much more powerful is a 12-gauge than a 20 gauge?

The 12-gauge has a muzzle velocity of 1,500 feet per second and energy of 2,189 foot-pounds, while the 20-gauge has 1,450 feet per second and energy of 1,787 foot-pounds. Federal’s 3rd Degree turkey loads in 12-gauge and 20-gauge have similar results.

What is better for deer hunting 12 or 20 gauge?

Go with 12-Gauge or Larger for Deer This means most hunters will be best served by a 12-gauge. 16-gauges gauges can get the job done, and 20-gauge shotguns are easier for smaller hunters, but almost every deer hunter during shotgun season is toting a 12-gauge shotgun, while some will go even larger with a 10-gauge.

Is 12 or 20 gauge better for turkey hunting?

Plenty of Power. As mentioned above, there was a time when 40 yards was considered the far side of a turkey hunter’s effective range with a 12-gauge. However, with the introduction of TSS loads, 40 yards and beyond, is easily accomplished with the 20-gauge shotgun.

Why is 12 gauge so popular?

The 12 gauge is so popular because it’s powerful enough to hunt most species of game, but the recoil of a 12 gauge is much more manageable than the 10 gauge. A 12 gauge shell also has advantage over the smaller gauges because it has a shorter shot column.

Does a 12 gauge or 20 gauge kick harder?

How Does the Recoil of a 12-Gauge Compare to that of a 20-Gauge Shotgun? An average 12-gauge shotgun load produces 40-60% more recoil than a 20-gauge shotgun if all else is equal. The recoil difference between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge shotgun is minimal in target loads, but more pronounced in waterfowl loads.

Which is better for home defense 12 gauge or 20 gauge shotgun?

“The 20-gauge is much easier to shoot than the 12-gauge, produces significantly less recoil, and is lighter and more maneuverable,” says retired SWAT team leader and multi-level certified self-defense instructor Steve Denney, who currently serves as the general manager of Pro Arms Inc., in Live Oak, Fla.

What’s better 12-gauge or 20-gauge?

Performance. Because a 12 gauge shotgun shell has more volume than a 20 gauge shotgun shell, it fits more powder and bigger projectiles. This means you will get a harder-hitting shot at a greater effective distance with a 12 gauge than you will with a 20 gauge.