In Brister's book Shotgunning - The Art and the Science he delves into pattern efficiencies in all the gauges. In the chapter entitled The Case for the Small Gauge he writes, concerning Oberfell and Thompson's conclusion:
"The most significant conclusion about gauges in that publication (by O & T) was: "It is the shot load that kills, not the gauge"."
Later he writes:
"I have found their rule to come close to being correct with perhaps the exception of the 28 gauge, which simply kills better than it is supposed to."
And later in the chapter:
"Neil Oldridge of Remington Arms Company (where quite a few pattern tests are made) told me that there are two mysteries in shotgun ammunition he cannot fully explain. One is why the 28 gauge is so highly efficient for the shot load it throws and the other is why the 12 gauge pigeon load of 3 1/4 drams of powder and 1 1/4 ounces of shot will pattern beautifully in almost any barrel."
