The 10 gauge has been with us since Winchester introduced it in 1887. The original black powder load was 2 7/8” long. Modern day chambers and ammunition are 3 ½” and most commonly used for waterfowl or Turkey hunting. The payload normally runs between 1 3/8 oz. and 2 3/8 oz. The 10 gauge fell out of favor when the 12 gauge was introduced but the necessity to use steel shot for waterfowl hunting revived this gauge in the longer 3 ½” version. With steel shot available up to size “T” some hunters claim to be able to down geese out to 90 yards. The 10 gauge barrel has a nominal bore diameter of: .775 inch. Ammunition is in current production in the 3 ½” length from Federal, Remington, Winchester, Heavy Shot and Estate. Available in lead or steel shot as well as other non toxic loads.
