[Freytown]

I often wonder why shotguns are rated by "gauge" and not caliber. Here's what I found.

The gauge refers indirectly to the bore diameter of a shotgun. It is not a direct measure, but is calculated as the number of lead balls of a bore diameter required to make up one pound. This is an old British measurement system. Thus, a 16-gauge shotgun has a bore diameter such that 16 lead balls of the bore diameter would weigh a pound.


OK, who knew all this stuff?

 

[*Moose]

Even rifle calibers were referred to as "so many balls per pound" in the 1700-early 1800's. If you read a period book you will not hear a rifle referred to by caliber but by something akin to "30 balls per pound".

 

[Woods walker]

I am srprised you didn't know that. the .410 shotgun is a caliber designation though.

 

[Freytown]

Too be honest I didn't realize that either. Now I know.

 

[jayd4wg]

and strangely enough, the .410 guage shotgun smoothbore cylinder bore and modfied choke will pass a lead .45LC (long colt) bullet...quite well I might add

i've run into a number of old timers that ONLY carry a .410 and have shot shells and .45 long colt ammo.