16ga? Vs 20ga/12ga Economics/Availability?

[1871]

Hello all!

I've run across a nice 16ga I'm considering. I just like it (1/2 way between a 12 and a 20)- but I would have to shoot it- so I'm curious as to the cost of 16ga ammo? as well as its availability? as compared to twelves and twenties- I have no experience with 16 gauge (directly or indirectly). Is it a reloaders gauge?

Thanks!

'71

[GregP42]

'71,

Yes the 16 is a reloaders gauge, but I have two of them right now, and if I ever talk dad out of his I will have 2 more! Shells are more because there are not as many people buying them, I just picked up a couple of boxes the other day, 1 1/8 Oz. high brass Remington was $16.98 a box, 1 Oz. low brass was $9.95. I have seen the Estate brand 1 1/8 Oz. high brass for $13.85. These are the prices here in SW Ohio, other places might be better or worse. Right now I am looking for a reloader myself for the 16 ga. But I can go out with a 16 and take anything I can with a 20 or a 12, I just have to pick the right shell is all. I hope that helps.

Greg

[jager]

Great gauge; however, the ammo companies have all but abandoned it. It will do all a "12" will with less kick in a lighter shotgun if you can find one not built on a 12 gauge frame. Wal Mart and Bass Pro usually sell promotional ammo once a year and I usually buy a case when I can get it under $30. (I recently found some 1 oz Winchesters at Wal Mart for about $7.50 a box.) I also reload for the "16", and a Lee "load-all" is a cheap and efficient way to make up a few boxes.

[1871]

Good info!

Thanks!

'71

[jlchucker]

I reload them with a Mec 600 press, and buy my components from Ballistic Products, Inc. They have a good assortment of hulls and wads for all kinds of guages--and their 16 ga wads work very well in a variety of cases. they also sell several brands of 16 ga shells.  Go on their website.  No shotshells are cheap these days, but if you want to use a 16, you can find components and ammo. Apparently it's still a popular guage overseas. Right now, reloading any guage is a pricey proposition--more because of shot prices than the price of wads or primers.
 

[dougk]

I have found Bass Pro Shops has Remington Dove load for $4-$5 a box when you buy a case.

[dukkillr]

The 16 is a fine gun.  It's cute, it's a novelty, and it's popular among guys who like jacking with stuff more than simply killing.  If you're looking for the best hunting gun, get a 12.  Cheaper, better pattern, more options, and generally the same weight as the 16. 

If you want something to mess with and be different, the 16 is great.  You don't need one.

[dougk]

"The experts say that there’s somewhat of a magical relationship between shot column width and height in a 16 gauge. This has to do with the standard 1 oz. to 1¼ oz. bird load for the 16 gauge having “square” dimensions – just as high as it is wide. This is supposed to create in the 16 gauge, an unsurpassed, evenly distributed shot pattern. Think back a moment to the definition of shotgun gauge – it’s the number of pure lead balls of the gun’s bore diameter needed to equal one pound. Therefore, the theoretical 16 gauge bore sized lead ball weighs exactly one ounce – since there are 16 ounces to the pound. "

for the full article http://www.hwsportsman.net/ReturnOfThe16.html

[brasskeeper]

I have always been a 16 gauge fan, having learned to hunt with a winchester model 37 single shot in 16. I have a remington 1100 and a browning sweet 16 both a great shot guns. I dont agree that its "reloaders gauge" I dont have any problem finding the ammo I want.