10 Gauge
The goose-pit heavyweight — throws the biggest payloads going, in guns that weigh like boat anchors and shells priced like a specialty item, because they are.
Family
Shotshell
Introduced
1870
Origin
British and American gunmakers, 19th century
History
The 10 gauge was the market hunter's big bore of the black-powder era, then found a second wind in the 1980s when early, poorly performing steel shot made its huge payloads attractive to goose hunters. The 3 1/2-inch 12 gauge subsequently ate most of its territory. It hangs on among dedicated waterfowl and turkey hunters who want maximum payload.
What it's used for
Iconic platforms
Browning Gold Light 10 and BPS 10, and the Remington SP-10 of recent memory.
Common load types
Heavy steel and bismuth waterfowl loads and dense turkey loads.
Reference only — not loading data, not ballistics advice, and KitID links to no ammunition sellers. Know your local law before you buy anything that goes bang.