10 Gauge vs. 12 gauge

Rayco1111

New member
Thinking about a new predator shotgun. I live in the Northeast, and the coyotes get fairly big, as you know. Is the 10 gauge preferable to the 12? There are some fox around here, too. Would the 10 gauge tear them up? How fur friendly/unfriendly are the shotguns in general? Not sure what to do, but I can't help but think the 12 is a little light for Northeast yotes. Any insight would be appreciated.
 
For the most part, there is no difference in the external ballistics between the 10 gauge and the 3 1/2" mag 12 gauge. In factory loadings both pretty much carry the same payload at the same velocity. The 10 you could handload a little more in.

The 10, however, tends to produce cleaner patterns with the slightly larger bore than the 12.

Don't expect to find any shot sizes in the 7 1/2 or 8 range that you can take down to your local trap club and blast away. You'll be handloading if you are looking for those.

Don't expect to find any shells down at your local Walmart. Most of those you find at the sporting goods store will be goose or turkey loads. For buckshot you'll likely be mail ordering. Don't know if Dead Coyote is available in 10 gauge. I'm sure it'd be a great load.

If you plan on going to Kalistan, last I heard the 10 gauge is illegal there, although the 3 1/2" 12 gauge is not. Just goes to show how ignorant the lawmakers there are.

I've got an Ithaca Mag 10, and shooting 2 1/2 oz full loads, it recoils less than my Winchester Defender 18" shooting 2 3/4" value pack loads. It's still a good recoil though, and if you mount it wrong you'll find out quick. Much like shooting a .45 ACP vs. a .40 S&W, more of a push than a punch.

As for pelt damage, it has a lot to do with how far they are when you hit 'em. The closer they are the more holes they'll get. If you are shooting them off the muzzle you'll be looking for a needle and thread, if not a sewing machine.
 
In my book the 10 will always out perform the 12 even the 3 1/2. However, I don't think you will see much of a difference except for little more range out of the 10 on the yotes in your area. The main thing is the load you use and it patterens well in your shotgun. You will have a much better choice in the 12ga than in the 10 when it comes to ammo.
 
Quote:
In my book the 10 will always out perform the 12 even the 3 1/2.



I was going by manufacturer published specs on factory loads. In my opinion, to really realize the benefit of the 10 gauge over the 3 1/2" 12, you'll want to handload.
 
Hi Rayco; I too am from the east. My hunting buddy turned me onto the shotgun a year ago. He has a first and a third in the last 3 yrs. at the Mosquito Creek hunt. So I take him at his word. He has bang flop kills on coyote in excess of 40 pounds. He uses nothing bigger than #2 Hevi Shot. We keep our set-ups close and personal. If you can see it, you can kill it. Lots of scent controll products also. We both carry 835s. Not too expensive and beautiful patterns!
 
Thanks for the insight guys. I appreciate it. I think right now I am leaning towards the 12 - a little more versatile and better am mo selection, as you've pointed out. Further comments from shotgun users welcome.
 
And remember, generally speaking the 10's going to be a heavier gun!

That's not all bad when shooting LOTS of shots (not sure that's going to qualify in Coyote shooting, but it does in Goose hunting!)
 
I have a browning bps pump 10 gauge and a mossberg 935 12 gauge. Both shoot 3 1/2 in. shells. After trying out both over the past 2 years the 12 gauge always comes with me while the 10 gauge now collects dust. The 12 gauge is alot lighter and easier to swing around. I really cant tell any difference in the range or stopping power. the mossberg 935 is bored to 97% of that of the 10 gauge. just my 2cents worth.
 
I would go with a Mossberg 835 pump or the 935 semi auto 12 Ga. I carry the 835 pump quite a bit and find it more than adequate for coyotes in the timber. I shoot either 3 or 3 1/2 inch #4 buck shot. The 835 and 935 are both overbored barrels and give you near 10 ga performance - or so Mossberg claims.

I know that anything within 20 yards if going to go down and be messy. 30 to 40 yards they will drop quicky and usually no mess. I think the shotgun is too much gun for fox unless you can get them at some distance from you. Up close, it's not real pretty.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top