12 vs. 20 Gauge For Duck Hunting | TESTED

[@SeanHank1234]

Anyone else get really happy when George drops a new video?

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@mrsmith9079]

Despite seeing the decoys before, it somehow manages to get funnier each time I see them.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Hahaha, thank you so much. I can't help myself with those.

[@Hunter-ex2sw]

Omg. This video is awesome. Just bought a Beretta A400 Extreme Plus in 20 gauge today.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Nice, I want one of those!

[@ballisticlt7452]

I have one in 12ga. You’ll love it.

[@stevenlord782]

@@Hunter-ex2sw very nice gun 👌

[@Hunter-ex2sw]

@@ballisticlt7452thanks

[@Hunter-ex2sw]

@@stevenlord782thanks brother

[@ryanadventureeverything8758]

Thanks for doing a true apples to apples comparison. Can’t stand it when people to a comparison but don’t have the same of anything. You had same everything!

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks so much!

[@peterbaldridge4968]

Love your work! Thanks for putting out great, no-bs content!

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@MO-vr1jg]

Good information- I switched to 20 ga for 95% of waterfowl hunting 3 years ago and have always shot 20 for upland birds….the lighter quicker handling 20 is just as effective in my experience as a 12 and easier to carry and store in a small boat or canoe…I usually don’t even pack a 12ga on bird hunting trips anymore…( but 12 ga ammo usually has better availability.)

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Nice

[@johnnyhonda4404]

Good stuff! People would benefit from a video of you adjusting the shims on that 20 gauge to raise the POI.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Working on that now actually. Might talk about it more once I get it sorted out.

[@dubthekid84]

I’m a 20 gauge guy! I’m an upland hunter,I made the switch last year. Both my O/U and my Autoloader are less than 5-1/2lb. I can carry all day and not care about weight. And I still hit just as many birds as with a 12.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

It's a nice tool for the toolbox, that is for sure!

[@ntreff]

This guy is criminally under-rated. Nice job. Haha. Throwing the decoys.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Haha, thank you!

[@curtiseggemeyer5681]

Great results all the way around . Nice job as usual , you make the videos very interesting.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks so much!

[@phillipaton1347]

I clicked on this video soooo fast lol I will be buying a 20 gauge soon. Hauling my big ole 870 around flooded timber is starting to take a toll. Definitely wanna see more 20 gauge videos George!!

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks so much!

[@avidwaterfowler7522]

I’ve been hunting with a 20ga for the last 4 years here and there. I originally felt under gunned, but quickly broke that confidence issue. In fact, I just recently crushed a big migrator honker at about 30 yards with a 1oz steel 3 hand load. I tend to shoot slightly tighter chokes because you’re pushing less pellets down range and a tighter choke is how I compensate.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Nice!

[@stevenlord782]

You gotta do the 28 gauge soon George 👍🤞🤞

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Haha, I just finally got my hands on a but we'll see..

[@stevenlord782]

👌🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@lukea2806]

The difference in recoil cannot be overstated. I bought an a300 ultima and made the switch “back” to 20 this year after not really shooting it since I was a kid and now my 12 gauges basically sit in the safe. Kent steel 3s are hell on mallards and the 7/8th oz payload is like shooting a pellet gun. Don’t even get me started on the recoil difference in Turkey ammo.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks!

[@AvgKsHunter]

Would love to see you do a test on Shotz Pulverizer shells that came out this season. Videos show this load knocking down ducks and geese at range with #8 steel which is against all principle

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

It's on the list!

[@scottsantrizos6849]

I think the #8 steel will make being a dentist more profitable

[@Drblood6721]

Awesome Awesome test, thanks for proving to people that it matters about the pellet, density and velocity. Doesn't matter if it's 100 pellets from a 12ga, 20ga or 28ga, they'll hit the same

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks!

[@erisierra7389]

Had a 12 gauge OU and pump and upgraded to 20 gauge OU and semi auto. Didn’t notice any difference in performance when hunting or shooting clays. A ton less recoil and weight tho. No regrets whatsoever

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Nice!

[@jacobcline7076]

Thanks so much for making this video! I keep seeing people switch from 12 to 20; now we've got data. I'm thinking my next shotgun might be a 20 now.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks! I'm planning some more along these lines too.

[@jordan106-o5e]

Great video! You may want to weigh that 20 gauge they like to lie on weights. I bet its over 6 lbs. I only point this out because your recoil advantage for your particular 20 gauge is probably understated. With your numbers you are comparing a relatively heavy 12 gauge with an extremely light 20 gauge weight, most are at least 6 pounds or more as auto loaders. Most 20 gauges are 0.5 to 1 pound lighter when comparing similar designs with only the frame scaled.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks!

[@BradinManheim]

I recently added a 5 1/2 lb 20 gauge to carry around the hills. Biggest problem to me with the 20 compared to my 12 is that reloading components for 20 gauge are nearly nonexistent.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Yea, ammo availability and options is a weakness, maybe the biggest weakness.

[@meyep3535]

I haven't had any problem getting what I need to load 20ga..Hulls,wads,filler wads etc, bismuth, steel ,TSS.

[@mobowyer4131]

Love my 20ga and Boss bismuth

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Amen!

[@benkolb1155]

Hey on the Muller website they list the passing choke from 35-50 yards and the UFO for 50+. Did you mix them up in the video or did you purposely shoot the ufo at 40 and passing at 50.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

I shot these ammos though a whole slew of chokes and used the best performers for each ammo in this video. The UFO is too tight for tss. It makes worse patterns than the passing.

[@adamwells6355]

Did you try the muller decoy choke out of the 20ga?

[@stevenlord782]

Hi George. I own a couple of 20 gauge shotguns. Mossberg 590 pump, browning 725. I've found that regardless of choke the 20 seems to absolutely hammer a target and load per load, pellet size per pellet size with the same choke restriction a 20 comes out on top. It makes no sense at all?😵‍💫

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

You can probably shoot it better in terms of size, fit, and recoil.

[@CookaMile]

Went from a 12 to a 20 last year, I never even look at my 12ga anymore, I would love to see you test the shotz ammo pulverizer load I have a box and so far have mixed feelings about it.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

It's on the list!

[@thomasburns4034]

George the decoys had me laughing!!

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Haha, thanks!

[@doughanson6657]

What a great test. thanks

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thank you!

[@joshuaeck2712]

Very cool video!!

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks!

[@ernieholt1033]

Thanks George

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thank you!

[@in.hindsight]

I have the same gun make and model in a 12g and a 20g. The 20g is just as effective, if not more, when certain parameters are met as you've demonstrated. I've always believed it patterned better due to the length of the shell relative to the 12g shell. However, the extra firepower (pellet count) of the 12g gives me less to think about when shooting it vs me constantly overthinking the shot placement when shooting the 20g, thus, causing me to miss more because I tend to aim more than point with the 20g shotgun. It's more of a psychological issue in my case. Just needing a re-assurance leads me to carry the 12g most of the time when the 20g is more than sufficient to bring down an upland bird or duck - plus, it's lighter and has less felt recoil. But the main reason I don't carry the 20g as much as I should is I have not found an effective steel shot for it. The 7/8oz and 1oz shells result in too much crippled roosters. The Boss bismuth 20g shotshells are great but just too much fragmentation so I gave up on it. The only time I carry the 20g afield is when I'm shooting lead. I just get tired of switching shells every time I hunt a WPA so unfortunately, the 20g doesn't see that much action any more.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

I don't see hardly any fragmentation with the new warcheif bismuth. It's drastically improved due to the buffered shot. Have you tried it in 20?

[@in.hindsight]

@@TheNewHuntersGuide Not yet. I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

[@Bert889]

Hi George, Do you know if there is any data on the internet showing bismuth fragmentation statistics. Is this certain brands or uncoated only, 1 shot out of 100, 1 out of 10, etc? I have hunted with folks who say they stopped using Boss b/c of fragmentation. Seems like you may be a subject matter expert as a byproduct of counting so many 30” circles for pattern density. 😂. Any input is appreciated.

[@reddog270ss]

Now I don't know if you know but I'm pretty sure the sa-20 is a turkish made shot gun, and they are not like American shot guns. On American guns rule of thumb is to hover under target just having bead under and turkish guns are modeled after italian shot guns have to cover the target. I don't know how you shoot but my 2cent. Also American guns tend to shoot 60/40 on pattern and italian/turkish guns shoot 30/70 or.even 20/80 on pattern density. So maybe why 20ga is shooting low??? Idk but food for thought. Keep em coming love the vids.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Well, it's not a Turkish gun. It's a Mossberg, with production outsourced to Turkey. It should be made to Mossberg's specs. That said, you do seem to be right. Whether it's by design or coincidence, I don't know. But it shoots drastically low. I just got a stock sleeve with some inserts to adjust my comb height to compensate and see if I can get my POA and POI back to where I want it to be. I'll mention that in a future video once I work it out.

[@reddog270ss]

@TheNewHuntersGuide i know it's a mossberg but they are made in turkey by a turkish manufacturer making it a turkish gun. It made by hatsan or the other company i can't recall. And it is just a rebrand of an import that came in under a different name a few years back i don't recall the name. My local followers was selling them under 2 diff importers names. Other than the name it s a turkish import. Nothing wrong with turkish guns i have a few and shoot them all the time indy edhc(every day hunt arsenal) tristar and Charles Daly some of the better names

[@davidpakulski4820]

​@@reddog270ssI have a Tristar viper g2. I had to switch the shims to make it shoot higher.

[@ace54603]

I see that bismuth shell not ejecting at 9:26!

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

I saw it after the fact too!

[@ace54603]

@ keep up the great videos man. I always enjoy watching them.

[@scottsantrizos6849]

Do you think the 20 ga compares to the 12 ga stinger load ?

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

It could be more potent actually. The stinger is loaded lighter than the 20.

[@RayVogel-d1e]

excellent info but what about slug test for hunters that have state laws require slugs only for deer hunting some say 12 is better for long shots due to powder than 20 others 12 is to heavy ???

[@adamwells6355]

Wish you would of tested the muller decoy choke at 30. My son has the same 20ga.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Wouldn't have given any helpful data for this comparison. When it comes to open chokes, you can get any pattern you want, just adjust the constriction.

[@adamwells6355]

​@TheNewHuntersGuide im looking at buying either the decoy choke or passing choke for the 20ga with bismuth shells

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

How far do you plan to shoot?

[@jeffbarris8172]

Yes finally some 20ga stuff 😆 thanks George great test! God bless you and go get them in the marsh.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thank you so much Jeff!

[@D_Boone]

The correct answer is 16 gauge, as God intended. And no, I will not elaborate.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Haha, that's maybe my favorite gauge but sadly it's all but gone.

[@Snailz5]

VETO!!! I veto this. I cannot have you convincing me that I need a 20 gauge. Dang it George! I didn't need this data in my life. I was ignorant. And I was happy. Now you'll show me all sorts of data and the little voices will whisper to me every time my 12 GA starts feeling heavy or clunky "20 has enough density. You could carry it all day." "20% less recoil and 20% better pattern efficiency."

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

HAHA, if it makes you feel better, I'm not abandoning the 12. Ammo selection and availability is unparalleled. But for some high milage hunts, I might start defaulting to the 20.

[@ryanvanderlugt5752]

More BOSS issues in your mossberg? Did you ever hear back from them?

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

I sent it back actually. We'll see if they can do anything about it.

[@adamwells6355]

My buddy had ejection issues with his 20ga and boss ammo. Jammed about every shell.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I actually prefer the 16ga. because that's what I grew up shooting but shells are hard to find and when I do find them they're expensive. I find the 16ga a good balance between the 12ga. and 20ga. mainly because it has less recoil than 12ga. and more payload than 20ga.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

The 16 is maybe my favorite, but it's all but gone now, and likely won't make much of a comeback.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

@TheNewHuntersGuide That's true. I was surprised to see 16ga. and 28ga. in Walmart today tho.

[@GrandeAdventure]

Would have liked to have seen a load for load test: 1 1/8th oz bismuth load across the board.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

I don't think that is produced for both in these product lines.

[@GrandeAdventure]

@TheNewHuntersGuide great video. I would guess you would have to go to one or several of the companies other than Boss.

[@HunterForEver12]

Please try some slugs with 20 gauge and 12 gauge. I think there will be some bigger difference..

[@taylorengler7764]

efficiency is way down on the list for me its what had the most pelletd in the circle i dont see any reason to switch back to a 20 if there are less reguardless of what they started at

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Efficiency is a just an abstract number. What counts is pellets in the circle vs the other benefits like size, weight, an recoil. Everything is a trade off. I'm just trying to show what the actual trades amount to. So people can make informed choices. I still mostly use a 12. For now.

[@anonymous.369]

Great test. Have a 20ga with 18.5 barrel for home defense. Using #4 birdshot to minimize overpenetration risk (townhouse/neighbors, roomþkids). Buck shots n slug go thru multiple interior walls - excessive power for home defense. Thanks for the comparison for hunting purposes.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Thanks

[@jimmiebuckler997]

#4 buck doesn’t over penetrate. Missing your target and over penetration are not the same thing. Don’t confuse them.

[@anonymous.369]

@jimmiebuckler997 I think the context is very clear. I mentioned home defense, where overpenetration is about pellets going thru walls when you miss. Don't think anyone looking at shotgun for home defense context would consider #4 birdshots overpenetrate a human body except at point blank distances. But it does penetrate at least one interior wall when it misses a target. Paul harrell has several videos on testing "overpenetration" thru walls. Buck shots, slugs, would "overpenetrate" the human body at home defense distances.

[@reddog270ss]

Still can't be first

[@1776cootsflybynight]

Oh lord, here comes the 28 gauge comments.

[@GrandeAdventure]

The ballistics don't lie. They work fine.

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Haha, I'll evaluate that some in the future.