Handloads: 20 Gauge

posted on May 2, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 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.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.