
The gauge of a shotgun describes the number of lead balls that could be produced from a pound of lead. When shotguns were first invented, most gun owners made their own ammunition from lead. Unlike other types of ammunition, the gauging system used with shotgun shells does not correspond to any linear measurement. How Are Shotgun Shells Classified?Īs mentioned above, shotgun shells are classified by gauges. Below, we discuss the shotgun gauges that are in use today and identify the ideal application for each size of shell. With that in mind, we have created this crash course to shotgun gauges. While I appreciate the nostalgia of using old-school measurement systems, not all shooters share this sentiment. This is because shotgun shells are measured using an outdated system. This widespread use is due to the fact that shotguns are one of the simplest types of firearms, but the ammunition can be quite confusing.


They are used by hunters to put down game of all sizes and are also trusted by homeowners for personal protection. Shotguns are one of the most popular class of firearms in the world.
