A closer look at two popular shotgun calibers: the 12 gauge and the .410 12 Gauge vs. .410 Bore: 12 Gauge: Versatile for self-defense and hunting birds or deer. .410 Bore: Smaller but suitable for beginners, small game hunting, and skeet shooting. Key Differences of Shotgun vs. Rifle: Shotgun shells contain pellets or slugs for spread, while rifle cartridges hold a single bullet for precision. Rifles like the .308 excel at long-range shooting compared to shotguns. Best Uses: 12 Gauge: Great for