Are you talking about for the chicken wire? Everyone around here uses a wide crown stapler to attach it.
Construction is regional, but I've never heard of people using finish nails to attach lath. Come to think of it, is a heavy duty brad nail a 16 ga?
I'm clueless, but not the first time and not the last.
16 gauge, 1/2 inch is the biggest bostitch carries. Not talking about finishing nails!