10ga vs 12ga shot gun

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Hi I am wondering what the difference is between 10 ga/ 3.5'' chamber/30'' barrel VS 12 ga / 3'' chamber/28'' barrel for ducks and geese hunt ? has anyone ever used both of them and tell me the difference? is it a big difference ? would you have more chance to have a successful hunt with 10ga or no big difference ? does it worth spending more money on 10ga instead of 12ga ? any help would be appreciated,thanks alot!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU.
 
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You should consider a 12 gauge 3 1/2 inch... much more popular for ammo and better ammo prices than a 10 gauge. It has the ability to shoot the large payloads of steel shot you sometimes need for migratory bird hunting. Or you can shoot light 2 3/4 inch loads on upland...
 
While I don't have a perfectly true comparison I'd have to say my 10 gauge has way more stopping power. The reason it's not a perfect comparison is i'm comparing 3" steel loads from my pump and over/under to 3 1/2 inch Bismuth loads from my sxs greener 10 gauge. My greener patterns extremely tight and that bismuth shot probably makes a difference. However from my experience the 10 gauge is considerably better at stopping geese then my 12's. The recoil difference is a serious consideration though, as well as the heavier 10 gauges may be harder to swing at speed for ducks, going to a auto loader may reduce the barrel weight and the recoil over my double.
 
Scar270 said:
While I don't have a perfectly true comparison I'd have to say my 10 gauge has way more stopping power. The reason it's not a perfect comparison is i'm comparing 3" steel loads from my pump and over/under to 3 1/2 inch Bismuth loads from my sxs greener 10 gauge. My greener patterns extremely tight and that bismuth shot probably makes a difference. However from my experience the 10 gauge is considerably better at stopping geese then my 12's. The recoil difference is a serious consideration though, as well as the heavier 10 gauges may be harder to swing at speed for ducks, going to a auto loader may reduce the barrel weight and the recoil over my double.

Scar270, I agree. However with, as you mentioned, the 12ga 3", or did you mean 12ga 3 1/2"? With the 12ga 3 1/2" you can throw handloads as heavy as the 10ga 3 1/2". I have a 10ga AYA SxS 3 1/2" that patterns real tight, especially with the old Federal Premium or 2 1/4oz lead shot handloads. I was going to open up the chokes so I could use steel but can't bring myself to do it. So, I've decided to go with Bismuth instead if I can find a source of supply locally, or, try and obtain some on my next trip to Alberta.
Grouse Man, I like my Ruger Red label 20ga Mag., its a great gun and a great gauge, within limitations. However, it pales in comparison to the range and pass shooting capabilities of a 3 1/2" 10ga with 2 1/4oz loads.
 
I was shooting 3" 12 gauge, I've never shot the 3 and 1/2 12, and with 3 10 gauges kicking around I doubt I'll ever find a need to do so. For reference I use 1 7/8 ounce loads of bismuth in the 10 gauge.
 
I have both, the 10 is a lot heavier to carry, it is great for turkey and geese and as cheap to reload as a 12. If you only want one shotgun then go for the 12. The 10 is too big and expensive to use on lot of small game and birds with 3.5 shells. I found the 10 a bit better for the longer shots. I have a pump and it sure kicks when you are shooting on those warm fall/spring days with only a shirt on. But I just had to have a 10 and it has its rightful place.
 
tracker said:
I have both, the 10 is a lot heavier to carry, it is great for turkey and geese and as cheap to reload as a 12. If you only want one shotgun then go for the 12. The 10 is too big and expensive to use on lot of small game and birds with 3.5 shells. I found the 10 a bit better for the longer shots. I have a pump and it sure kicks when you are shooting on those warm fall/spring days with only a shirt on. But I just had to have a 10 and it has its rightful place.

;) :D
 
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