10 gauge or 12 3 1/2?
- Thread starter Dsiwy
- Start date
I got one of each. The 10 gauge for turkey and geese. The 12, 2.75, 3 and 3.5 for the rest. The 3.5 12 gauge will never do the same job as the 10, lead or steel. The only complaint I have about the 10 is that it is heavy. I just started to reload the 10 and this gives even more punch.
Using factory ammo, a 3.5 12, is very close to the 10. A ten will likely pattern the bigger shot payload better.
Where the 10 truly shines is if you are a reloader. You can safely load alot hotter 10 gauge loads, then the factory shells you buy.
Where the 10 truly shines is if you are a reloader. You can safely load alot hotter 10 gauge loads, then the factory shells you buy.
Well if reloading the 10g with steel you can walk away from the 12s!
I can push 1 3/8 of #2 steel out of my SP-10 at 1690 to 1730 fps pending the hull.
A 12 can't match this!
But as the guys with factory ammo have suggested there on an equal playing field, however the 10 will out pattern the 12 even with the 10g bore mossberg barrel.
But I don't know what it is but there is just something special about those 10s?
I can push 1 3/8 of #2 steel out of my SP-10 at 1690 to 1730 fps pending the hull.
A 12 can't match this!
But as the guys with factory ammo have suggested there on an equal playing field, however the 10 will out pattern the 12 even with the 10g bore mossberg barrel.
But I don't know what it is but there is just something special about those 10s?
Jason:
We need to do that SP-10 goose shoot this fall. Plan on the early season up my way.
I have a 26/30/24" barrels for sale if you know anyone interested. The 24" is the smoothbore slug barrel with tubes.
B.
We need to do that SP-10 goose shoot this fall. Plan on the early season up my way.
I have a 26/30/24" barrels for sale if you know anyone interested. The 24" is the smoothbore slug barrel with tubes.
B.
10 ga?
Why not shoot 3 inch Kent Tungston Matrix. It will kill way out there any waterfowl or turkey found in Canada. Dont tell me it's too expensive. Cheeper to shoot it than having to buy guns for different purposes. But mor guns can be fun too. IMHO. Cheers!
Why not shoot 3 inch Kent Tungston Matrix. It will kill way out there any waterfowl or turkey found in Canada. Dont tell me it's too expensive. Cheeper to shoot it than having to buy guns for different purposes. But mor guns can be fun too. IMHO. Cheers!
12 gauge all the way! With a 3 1/2 I personally don't see the need for a 10. Personally I've had 3 shotguns in 3 1/2 and any 3 inch I shoot kills them all just as good. The ammo is cheaper too! Just my opinion but I think the 3 1/2 is just another marketing scheme to give us all "magnum itis" we really don't need!
Dave.
Dave.
Oh guys......no! Theres is NO subsitute for a 10ga!!!! The ONLY reason I use my 3 1/2 more than my 10ga is because I usally so mostly ducks and I sometimes shoot grouse along the way with smaller loads. Plus my 10ga is only a single shot. HOWEVER, if I'm going for Geese, and only Geese 10ga is what I take. Not even a 3 1/2" 12ga can compare with the ol' 10.
The 10ga came into it's own when steel was mandated, in that you have a greater payload, and is, IMHO, making the 12ga 3 1/2" obsolete before it became popular.
I have friends that are using the 10 for all, except chickens, thir hunting needs, from geese to ground hogs and pigeons.
There is quite a selection of shot availible for the 10 now.
RePete.
I have friends that are using the 10 for all, except chickens, thir hunting needs, from geese to ground hogs and pigeons.
There is quite a selection of shot availible for the 10 now.
RePete.
3 1/2 inch 12 gauge gives up very little to the 10 with factory ammo and the shot string is longer. Tens are big and heavy but they do work well with T shot on Geese.
If there is no need for a 3 1/2 inch 12 gauge cartridge than how can there be a need for a 10 gauge...
If there is no need for a 3 1/2 inch 12 gauge cartridge than how can there be a need for a 10 gauge...
If the cartridge is the only criteria then I prefer the 10 gauge. However there is a greater selection of guns that come in 12 gauge with 3-1/2" chambers.
If Beretta made the Xtrema in 10 gauge I'd have one and judging from the size of that gun it could be made in 10. As it stands I'll stick with my 3" gun with Kent Tungstem Matrix or Remington Hevi-Shot. I've been satisifed with both and haven't been inclined to be a 3-1/2" gun.
BTW, the comments about the longer shot string giving you more leeway on lead is incorrect. That's like saying swinging your gun faster widens your pattern. Brister disproved those theories many years ago and if you don't know who Brister is then you probably shouldn't be offering opinions on patterning.
If Beretta made the Xtrema in 10 gauge I'd have one and judging from the size of that gun it could be made in 10. As it stands I'll stick with my 3" gun with Kent Tungstem Matrix or Remington Hevi-Shot. I've been satisifed with both and haven't been inclined to be a 3-1/2" gun.
BTW, the comments about the longer shot string giving you more leeway on lead is incorrect. That's like saying swinging your gun faster widens your pattern. Brister disproved those theories many years ago and if you don't know who Brister is then you probably shouldn't be offering opinions on patterning.
If you don't reload you own shells I dont see what advantage the 10Ga has. You can buy factory loads in 12Ga 3 1/2", 1 3/8Oz shot at 1550FPS. The 10Ga all I can find is 1 3/8oz 1450FPS anything in more payload and velocity like 1300FPS.
Plus with the 12Ga you got factory loads from Xtended range shot, hevi shot, tungsten etc.
Plus with the 12Ga you got factory loads from Xtended range shot, hevi shot, tungsten etc.
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