What does 12 GAUGE stand for?

Shotgun sizes have always been determined indirectly. The “12” in a 12 gauge shotgun should, in theory, correspond to some linear measurement, such as inches or centimeters. Nevertheless, that is untrue. “0.41” refers to the ability to form 12 lead balls from 1 pound of lead, each with a diameter equal to the gun barrel. It all started back when you could build your ammunition by buying lead by the pound. The gauge indicated the number of rounds you could get out of one pound of lead for the gun.