Handloads: 20 Gauge

posted on May 2, 2019
ll20ga.jpg

lightweight 20 gauge is a joy to carry on long slogs in search of pheasants. But an effective load must balance acceptable recoil with sufficient pattern density and pellet energy. That convergence comes from 1 oz. of No. 6 shot with a muzzle velocity of about 1200 f.p.s.

Heavier payloads significantly boost recoil—a 3" shell firing 1¼ ozs. of shot results in 40 percent more. Also, additional velocity barely increases pellet energy. A No. 6 pellet, at 1330 f.p.s., carries only 0.3 ft-lb. more energy than one fired at 1200 f.p.s. Shooting larger shot is the only way to significantly increase pellet energy. An ounce of shot larger than No. 6s, though, carries an insufficient number of pellets to make a dense pattern at 40 yds.

This recipe’s 1 oz. of No. 6s, fired from the modified choke of a Beretta Whitewing over-under 20 gauge, printed 72 percent of its pellets in a 30" circle at 40 yds. Effective pattern diameter was about 30", with a lot of pellets clustered in the center. An improved-cylinder choke somewhat spread those pellets to enlarge the usable pattern diameter by a few inches.

Latest

Bayard Auto Pistol
Bayard Auto Pistol

I Have This Old Gun: Bayard Auto Pistol

The Herstal, Belgium, firm of Anciens Etablissements Pieper was apparently expecting big things when, in 1908, it named its new semi-automatic pocket pistol “Bayard.”

The Armed Citizen® March 31, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New For 2025: Benelli USA Nova 3 Tactical

This latest update to Benelli’s pump-action shotgun gives users a few upgrades over previous generations, making the new NOVA 3 the most exciting pump-gun yet to come from the Italian maker.

Mauser: The Rifle That Made Good

Combining inventive genius with shrewd sales ability, the Mauser brothers, Paul and Wilhelm launched one of the world’s most famous small arms dynasties.

Preview: Hornady Backcountry Defense

The company’s new Backcountry Defense line is designed specifically for personal protection in the backcountry.

Military Armament Corporation Introduces New MAC 9 DS Models

Military Armament Corporation expanded its line of M1911-style, double-stack handguns with its new Double-Stack Duty, D-Comp and Comp designs.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.