It depends on the style. Eddie Condon used CGBD (plectrum tuning effectively). As for jazz voicings, DGBE has the greatest versatility over the standard tenor banjo CGDA.
The fundamental difference between DGBE, CGBD and CGDA is that the latter uses open voicings. Also, in my experience, substitution chord changes in jazz are more difficult
to execute in CGDA. They are easier in "guitar-tuned" DGBE.

As to the gauge of string, each instrument requires different ones and experimentation is the only solution. Also, there are some re-entrant tunings that can be used for each of the above mentioned tunings. The "high C" or CGDA with the fourth string an octave higher
closes the chord voicings and has a different musical texture. You can also tune the tenor
like a uke which adds a different quality.

In an earlier swing band, there is argument for CGDA or for GDAE. (dropped tenor banjo tuning) but the other two tunings also work as well.

Frank Hamilton