What's the Difference Between Gauge and Caliber?

Published on September 17, 2013
Duration: 1:28

This video explains the difference between shotgun gauge and firearm caliber. Gauge is defined by the number of lead spheres of a specific weight that fit into a pound of lead, which then corresponds to the barrel diameter. A higher gauge number indicates a smaller barrel diameter. For home defense, a 12-gauge shotgun is recommended, with buckshot loads like double ought (00) or triple ought (000) being suitable.

Quick Summary

Shotgun gauge is measured by the number of lead spheres of the barrel's diameter that would equal one pound. For instance, a 12-gauge shotgun is designed so that 12 lead balls of its bore diameter would weigh one pound. This historical method means a higher gauge number signifies a smaller barrel diameter. Caliber, on the other hand, measures the diameter of a bullet for handguns and rifles.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction to Gauge and Caliber
  2. 00:11Defining Caliber
  3. 00:15Understanding Gauge Measurement
  4. 00:2712 Gauge Explained
  5. 00:3720 Gauge Explained
  6. 00:42Gauge Number vs. Barrel Size
  7. 00:45Home Defense Shotgun Recommendation
  8. 00:50Buckshot Types (00, 000)
  9. 00:56Hornady Critical Defense Example
  10. 01:03Ammunition Energy Comparison
  11. 01:10Stopping Power of Shotgun Rounds

Frequently Asked Questions

How is shotgun gauge measured?

Shotgun gauge is measured by the number of lead spheres of the barrel's diameter that would equal one pound. For instance, a 12-gauge shotgun is designed so that 12 lead balls of its bore diameter would weigh one pound. This historical method means a higher gauge number signifies a smaller barrel diameter.

What is the difference between gauge and caliber?

Caliber measures the diameter of a bullet for handguns and rifles. Gauge, used for shotguns, is based on a historical measurement related to lead weight. A higher gauge number indicates a smaller barrel diameter, while caliber directly refers to the bullet's diameter.

Which shotgun gauge is best for home defense?

For home defense, a 12-gauge shotgun is generally recommended due to its versatility and effectiveness. Loads like double ought (00) or triple ought (000) buckshot are common choices for home defense applications, offering significant stopping power.

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