The 16 gauge sits between the 12 and the 20. Fans call it the gauge that “carries like a 20 and hits like a 12.” It faded for a few decades, but it never went away, and makers still load it for upland birds, ducks, deer and turkeys. This data guide lists every 16 gauge ammo load we carry, with payload, shot size and the maker’s published velocity.
You’ll also learn how to read those numbers and which loads suit which job. No drop or trajectory charts here, since makers don’t publish them for these shells.
Is the 16 gauge still around?
Yes. New 16 gauge shotguns are still made, and many older doubles and pumps are still in the field. Federal, Remington, Winchester, Fiocchi, Browning, Hevi-Shot and Apex all load 16 gauge shells we carry. The selection is smaller than for 12 or 20, so it pays to stock up when you find a load your gun likes.
A 16 gauge bore is about .66 inch across. Most 16 gauge guns have 2-3/4 inch chambers, and every load in this guide is 2-3/4 inch. Some very old guns have shorter chambers, so have a gunsmith check any vintage gun before you shoot modern shells.
How to read 16 gauge ballistic data
Payload is the weight of the shot charge, in ounces. A classic 16 gauge field load holds 1 oz or 1-1/8 oz. Shot size runs backward: #8 is small, #4 is large. Velocity is muzzle speed from the maker’s test barrel. Your barrel length, choke and the day’s temperature will change the real number. Higher altitude has thinner air, so pellets lose speed a bit more slowly there.
For shot loads, makers rarely list energy because it’s split across hundreds of pellets. For slugs, energy depends on weight and speed. A 1 oz slug weighs about 437 grains; a 4/5 oz slug about 350 grains.
16 gauge lead loads for targets and upland
| Load | Payload | Shot size | Velocity | Listed use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browning BPT 16 Gauge Target Load 1 oz #8 | 1 oz | #8 | 1,165 fps | Target |
| Remington Game Load 16 Gauge 1 oz #8 | 1 oz | #8 | 1,200 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Fiocchi Game and Target 16 Gauge 1 oz #8 | 1 oz | #8 | 1,165 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Federal Game Load 16 Gauge 1 oz #7-1/2 | 1 oz | #7-1/2 | 1,165 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Winchester Super X 16 Gauge Game Load 1 oz #6 | 1 oz | #6 | 1,165 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Federal Game Load Upland 16 Gauge Hi-Brass 1-1/8 oz #7-1/2 | 1-1/8 oz | #7-1/2 | 1,295 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Fiocchi High Velocity 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #7-1/2 | 1-1/8 oz | #7-1/2 | 1,300 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Remington Pheasant 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #6 | 1-1/8 oz | #6 | 1,295 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Remington Express 16 Gauge Long Range 1-1/8 oz #6 | 1-1/8 oz | #6 | 1,295 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Remington Royal Flush 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #5 | 1-1/8 oz | #5 | 1,300 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #5 Nickel | 1-1/8 oz | #5 | 1,310 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Browning BXD Upland 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #6 Nickel-Plated | 1-1/8 oz | #6 | 1,295 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Federal Prairie Storm 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #6 Copper-Plated | 1-1/8 oz | #6 | 1,425 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Federal Wing-Shok 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #5 Copper-Plated | 1-1/8 oz | #5 | 1,425 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Winchester Super X High Brass 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #4 | 1-1/8 oz | #4 | 1,295 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
For clays, the Browning BPT Target #8 lists 1,165 fps with 1 oz. For quail and doves, a 1 oz #7-1/2 or #8 field load is plenty. For pheasants, step up to 1-1/8 oz of #5 or #6. The Federal Prairie Storm #6 lists 1,425 fps, and the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant #5 uses nickel-plated shot.
Non-toxic 16 gauge ammo: steel, bismuth and TSS
| Load | Payload | Shot size | Velocity | Listed use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Gauge Steel – Winchester Super X Xpert Game and Target 15/16 oz #6 | 15/16 oz | #6 | 1,350 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| Remington Nitro-Steel 16 Gauge 15/16 oz #2 | 15/16 oz | #2 | 1,300 fps | Waterfowl |
| Federal Black Cloud 16 Gauge 7/8 oz #2 Steel | 7/8 oz | #2 | 1,450 fps | Waterfowl |
| Browning BXD Waterfowl 16 Gauge 15/16 oz #2 Steel | 15/16 oz | #2 | not listed | Waterfowl |
| Hevi-Steel 16 Gauge 1 oz #2 | 1 oz | #2 | not listed | Waterfowl |
| Hevi-Shot Longer Range 16 Gauge 1 oz #2 Steel and Bismuth | 1 oz | #2 | not listed | Waterfowl |
| Hevi-Hitter 16 Gauge 1 oz #2 Tungsten and Steel | 1 oz | #2 | not listed | Waterfowl |
| Hevi-Bismuth Waterfowl 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #6 | 1-1/8 oz | #6 | 1,350 fps | Waterfowl |
| Federal Hevi-Bismuth 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #5 | 1-1/8 oz | #5 | 1,400 fps | Waterfowl |
| Hevi-Bismuth Upland 16 Gauge 1-1/8 oz #5 | 1-1/8 oz | #5 | 1,325 fps | Upland, dove, small game |
| 16 Gauge Turkey Loads – Apex TSS 1-5/8 oz #9, 590 Pellets | 1-5/8 oz | #9 | 1,150 fps | Turkey |
Steel loads in 16 gauge carry 7/8 to 15/16 oz. The Federal Black Cloud #2 lists 1,450 fps. Bismuth is denser than steel and is often chosen for older guns; the Federal Hevi-Bismuth #5 lists 1,400 fps. Check your gun maker’s guidance before shooting steel in an older 16. Federal rules require non-toxic shot for waterfowl. For more on steel, see our steel shot shells guide.
For turkey, the Apex TSS #9 lists 590 pellets of tungsten super shot.
16 gauge buckshot and slugs
| Load | Payload | Shot size | Pellets | Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Gauge Buckshot – Federal Power-Shok #1 Buck, 12 Pellets | — | #1 Buck | 12 | 1,225 fps |
| Brenneke 16 Gauge Slug – Classic Magnum 1 oz | 1 oz | — | — | 1,580 fps |
| 16 Gauge Slugs – Federal Power-Shok 4/5 oz Hollow Point | 4/5 oz | — | — | 1,600 fps |
| Remington Slugger 16 Gauge 4/5 oz Rifled Slug | 4/5 oz | — | — | 1,600 fps |
The Federal Power-Shok 4/5 oz hollow point slug and the Remington Slugger 4/5 oz both list 1,600 fps. The Brenneke Classic Magnum 1 oz is heavier at 1,580 fps. These are rifled-type slugs suited to smooth bores. Deer rules on slugs and buckshot vary by state, so check before you hunt.
Which 16 gauge load for which job?
- Clays: 1 oz #8.
- Doves and quail: 1 oz #7-1/2 or #8.
- Pheasant and grouse: 1-1/8 oz #5 or #6, plated if you can.
- Ducks: #2 steel up close, or #5 or #6 bismuth.
- Turkey: #9 TSS inside your patterned range.
- Deer: a 4/5 oz or 1 oz slug, or #1 buck where legal.
Shop 16 gauge ammo
See every load above in our 16 gauge shotgun ammo category. Comparing gauges? Our 28 gauge ballistic data guide uses the same format. Supplies of 16 gauge come and go, so buy your favorite load by the case when it’s in stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 16 gauge shotgun used for?
A 16 gauge is used for upland birds like pheasant, grouse and quail, plus doves, ducks with non-toxic loads, turkeys with TSS and deer with slugs or buckshot where legal. It carries more shot than a 20 gauge but weighs less than most 12 gauge guns.
Do they still make 16 gauge shotgun shells?
Yes. Federal, Remington, Winchester, Fiocchi, Browning, Hevi-Shot and Apex all make 16 gauge ammo we carry, from target loads to steel, bismuth, TSS, buckshot and slugs. The selection is smaller than 12 or 20 gauge, so many shooters buy their favorite load by the case.
Is there still a 16 gauge shotgun?
Yes. New 16 gauge shotguns are still made, and many older side-by-sides, over-unders and pumps are still in use. Have a gunsmith check any older gun before shooting modern shells, especially steel, and confirm the chamber length stamped on the barrel.
Who makes 16 gauge ammo?
The 16 gauge ammo we carry comes from Federal, Remington, Winchester, Fiocchi, Browning, Hevi-Shot and Apex. Together they cover lead field loads, target loads, steel and bismuth waterfowl loads, TSS turkey loads, buckshot and rifled slugs in 2-3/4 inch shells.
