20GA why did I wait

[jaguarxk120]

No such thing as #9 buckshot. No such gauge as 33.

There is a 32 gauge with a bore diameter of .526 and a 36 gauge with a bore diameter of .506.

20 gauge comes in at .615 bore diameter, just what are you talking about?

 

[Esoxchaser]

I think when he says "33 gauge" he is referring to OO Buckshot, which is .33"
The #9buckshot I have no clue.....we have used #9 bird shot for up close and personal grouse.

 

[RMc]

No such thing as #9 buckshot. No such gauge as 33.

There is a 32 gauge with a bore diameter of .526 and a 36 gauge with a bore diameter of .506.

20 gauge comes in at .615 bore diameter, just what are you talking about?

I thought this would catch someone's attention.

Western #9 Buckshot is indeed a traditional American buckshot size designation that has its counterpart in Eastern #3 buckshot. Western buckshot sizes were used concurrently in marketing shotshell ammunition until just before WWII and in marketing Lawrence brand buckshot as late as the 1970's.

As for your second contention, gauge is a size designation. Just what does the term "gauge" mean in regard to shotguns? Whether describing bore size or ball size, gauge refers to the number of lead balls of a size that will weigh one pound. So 33 gauge buckshot would equate to .520" lead balls of approximately 212 grains each. Yes, the "little 20" can fire a trio of 33 gauge buckshot.

 

[1911Tuner]

When I was wont to take to the game fields, my hands-down favorite shotgun was a 26-inch Stevens 311A double 20 gauge that I bought new in 19-ought...somethin' or other. My memory isn't all that reliable these days.

I think I gave 90 dollars for it.

I killed more game with that little gun than I could haul in 3 longbed pickup trucks. After I stopped hunting upland, I gave it to my ex-wife's older son and he's put it to good use ever since...and says that it's the best shotgun he's ever hunted with.

It's been so long that I'd forgotten it...or that he had it. I spotted it on a recent visit, hung over the mantle...and it all came back.

 

[jaguarxk120]

RMc, I've checked several of my references looking for Western #9 buckshot and can not find that size listed.

Could you please tell us what reference you found that information.
Thank you

 

[RubenZ]

I mostly Dove Hunt and I too used a 12 gauge most of my dove hunting life. I just recently switched to a 20 gauge Browning Silver Hunter and WOW. Gun is so light, moves so well I just LOVE IT.

 

[RMc]

RMc, I've checked several of my references looking for Western #9 buckshot and can not find that size listed.

Could you please tell us what reference you found that information.
Thank you

ALCAN Reloading Manual #11, circa 1966, Page 20

http://www.scribd.com/doc/33509256/Alcon-Mid-60s-Reloaders-Manual#download

There are other references in period loading manuals, ammunition catalogs, component catalogs, and various firearms magazine articles.

 

[jaguarxk120]

RMc thank you for the reference.

I have found another reference to the Western shot sizes. The 1998 Dixie Gun Works catalog. In the back on page 728 they give sizes and quantities of lead balls. Lower left side of the page, and it lists Western size buckshot No.9 or American size buckshot No.3, .25 in. dia. aprox. 280 to the pound.

The Alcan loading book is great since the last page gives data for the 38 Special and I'm sure I have a can of AL-7 tucked away somewhere.

It also list the 209 caps that were used for "re-loading" 209 shotshell primers.

 

[RMc]

I'm having a hard time understanding what you mean by the "20 gauge isn't as good as the 12 for large game". The 20 gauge did a splendid job on the doe that I shot with it, I know for a fact that a 12GA wouldn't have killed it any deader. As for buckshot well it's a matter of physics, of course it's not going to launch 0, 00, and 000 like the 12 ga as it don't have the internal space. But it can shoot up to #1 buck and smaller, http://www.custombuckshot.com/index.html
Now if only a major company would pick up the ball and run with it so we wouldn't have to rely on a small family run shop

Another option

http://www.rioammo.com/law_enforcement/rio_LE_buckshot.html

 

[Bob Bonillas]

I'm thinking about getting a Rossi "Trifecta" 3 barrel rifle, 243, 22LR & 20 Ga. Does any one here use one?