"Testing of a 16 gauge showed that it will print a denser pattern at 40 yards then a 20 gauge 3 inch at 30 yards. They're not even in the same league as a 12 gauge at distances beyond."

You're not providing enough information to make your statement quantifiable.
The same charge with the same size pellets at the same velocity, using the same type hull, wad, primer and powder is theoretically the same whether from a 20, 16 or 12. Pattern may vary as we all know each gun has its own peculiarities.

Last edited by Tamid; 01/12/17 02:35 PM.
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.