Why do people go with smaller guage shotguns and light loads for hunting?

First off, you can get ammo in any gage that shoots with the same velocity. The only difference is the amount of shot, with attendant smaller pattern with the sub gages as compared to a 12 gage.
For me, the preference for hunting with a shotgun, the quary dictates what gun I like using best. Turkey hunting gets a 12 gage 100% of the time, and it's a heavy shotgun because I don't carry it long distances.
For bird or rabbit hunting, my favorite shotgun is one that weighs less than a 12 gage, balances far better, and is a 20 gage Over and Under, with 28" tubes. Recoil is much less than a 12 gage too. A 28 gage would be superb for this hunting too
I do have a SxS 410 Fausti shotgun with 28" tubes, and a single selective trigger. It's balance is superb!
When using sub gages, you have to be a better shot with a shotgun than with a 12 gage, because of the smaller pattern.
 
Yep, Go break clays with a .410, or go dove hunting. If you can do that successfully you are going to be a mass murderer to game with the 12 gauge since you will really improve your shooting skills.
 
Smaller gauges usually equal lighter weight, quicker handling, and quick to the eye for wing shooting. If I were restricted to one shotgun it would be a 12, but since I'm not I got a few of each. I would like a nice light double 28 for my next.
 
Anybody that goes rabbit hunting with me and uses a 12 gauge cleans their own. This shot doesn't show up close, but half of these rabbits are missing their heads from a little 20.

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