12-gauge cartridges outperform other calibers in a number of parameters, which is why they are very popular with owners of smooth-bore firearms. Their charges have sufficient weight and a lot of equipment. Most firearms enthusiasts are familiar with the reinforced 12-gauge Magnum cartridges. For what purpose they are produced and what specific advantage they have over other cartridges, you can find out from this article.
"Magnum" in English means something big and strong. This designation is given to charges and guns designed to fire reinforced charges. Not every gun is designed to fire the Magnum cartridge. Such weapons should have a reinforced locking mechanism and a reinforced barrel.
Main differences
The main difference between the 12 gauge "Magnum" cartridge is the length of the sleeve, which is 76; 89 mm. Such cartridges were designed for shooting at waterfowl. They make it possible to shoot at long range.distance.
Reinforced cartridges helped equalize the charge rate readings when replacing lead shot with steel shot. Many developed countries have long switched to such charges when hunting waterfowl, as scientists believe that shot that falls to the bottom sooner or later enters the stomachs of birds. Collecting food from the bottom of the reservoir and swallowing metal, they get poisoned, which can lead to their death.
Equalization of calibers
The characteristics of the cartridge "Magnum" 12 gauge do not differ from the charge of 10 gauge. This fact is another reason for the popularity of reinforced cartridges. So, for example, a 20-gauge Magnum cartridge will be equal in its characteristics to a 12-gauge cartridge with a conventional charge. Such indicators are made possible due to the length of the reinforced cartridge. When you need a small charge, for example, when hunting small game or when shooting at close range, you can use a 20-gauge gun with a regular cartridge, and, for example, when hunting big game, use a magnum reinforced charge.
So, when shooting with steel shot, in order to equalize the performance with a lead charge, the size of the shot must be increased by two numbers, which, in turn, will reduce the number of pellets in the charge. The length of the 12-gauge "Magnum" cartridge allows you to equalize these indicators and give the hunter the opportunity to switch to steel shot, while maintaining the characteristics of the charge.
Where apply
When choosing a cartridge charge, information aboutthe area in which to hunt and, of course, you need to pay attention to the time of year. Cartridges "Magnum" give a visible result when firing at long distances with large shot. Because heavy charges can store energy over a long distance. Small shot at a distance of 30-40 meters will be ineffective, its speed is only enough to injure the animal.
When hunting a goose from extreme distances, 12 gauge "Magnum", equipped with large shot or buckshot, will make it possible to shoot from a distance of 45-60 meters, which is 1.5 times more compared to a conventional charge with the same fraction number. For hunting a wild boar or a wolf, a buckshot with a Magnum attachment is used. This allows you to increase the number of buckshot in the cartridge and lengthen the lethal distance. When hunting a hare in fields where a hare is often at a distance of 50 meters, the Magnum hitch will also be effective, since at such a distance a conventional projectile will lose energy to hit. When hunting capercaillie, which takes place in the early hours in gloomy light, the distance for a shot does not always correspond to the desired one, and the bird itself is strong on the wound, so it is quite advisable to use reinforced Magnum cartridges for such hunting.
Cartridges for a large animal
12 gauge Magnum bullet cartridges are produced today by all well-known brands. The effectiveness of this charge is time-tested. If the gun allows you to shoot reinforced cartridges, then usewhen hunting a bear or a large elk, they will not be superfluous. The charge on a 16 gauge shotgun can become equal to the strength of 12 due to the increased charge, and when hunting big game, such an increase will be effective. The basic rule is that the gun must be designed for firing reinforced charges. This condition affects not only the wear of the gun, but also the safety of the hunter.
What conclusions
12 caliber Magnum cartridges can be equated to 10 caliber cartridges in terms of charge strength. The use of such cartridges is justified in certain types of hunting. It is possible to shoot reinforced cartridges only from guns designed for such pressures. You can determine this by the passport attached to the gun, and by the characteristics of the cartridge, which are indicated on the package - this is the length of the sleeve and the pressure when the cartridge is fired.
These charges are mainly used in countries where it is forbidden to shoot game in water bodies with lead charges. Also, "Magnum" is used in small calibers to increase the charge if necessary.
Cartridges "Magnum" 12 caliber reviews among hunters leave positive, they emphasize the fact that it is not advisable to use this charge for all types of hunting: it has a high cost and strong recoil. But for certain types of hunting, such a charge brings the desired result and is an effective method of increasing sharpness and combat range when used correctly.
