Cartridges of 12 calibers in a number of parameters win among other calibers, therefore they are very popular among owners of smooth-bore firearms. Their charges are of sufficient weight and many snap-ins. Most lovers of firearms are familiar with the reinforced 12-round Magnum cartridges. For what purpose they are produced and what specific advantage they have over other cartridges can be found in this article.
"Magnum" in English means something big and strong. This designation is given to charges and shotguns created for firing enhanced charges. Not every gun is intended to be fired by the Magnum cartridge. Such weapons should have a reinforced constipation mechanism and a reinforced barrel.
The main differences
The main difference of the cartridge of the 12th Magnum caliber is the length of the sleeve, which is 76; 89 mm. Such cartridges were designed for shooting waterfowl. They make it possible to shoot long distances.
Reinforced cartridges helped to equalize the charge rate when replacing lead shot with steel. Many developed countries have long switched to such charges when hunting for waterfowl, as scientists believe that the fraction that falls to the bottom, sooner or later gets into the stomachs of birds. Collecting food from the bottom of the reservoir and swallowing metal, they get poisoning, which can lead to their death.
Calibration Equalization
The characteristics of the 12-gauge Magnum cartridge do not differ from the 10-gauge charge. This fact is another reason for the popularity of reinforced cartridges. So, for example, a 20-gauge Magnum cartridge will equal 12 gauges with a normal charge in its characteristics. Such indicators become possible due to the length of the reinforced cartridge. If you need a small charge, for example, when hunting for small game or when shooting at close range, you can use a 20-caliber gun with an ordinary cartridge, and, for example, when hunting for big game, use the enhanced Magnum charge.
So, when shooting with steel shot, in order to compare the performance with a lead charge, the size of the shot needs to be increased by two numbers, which, in turn, will reduce the number of shots in the charge. The length of the cartridge 12 gauge "Magnum" allows you to compare 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 about the terrain in which you have to hunt will help 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 shots. Because heavy charges can store energy over long distances. A small fraction at a distance of 30-40 meters will be ineffective, its speed is only enough to injure the animal.
When hunting a goose from a limiting distance of 12, the Magnum caliber, equipped with large shots or buckshots, will make it possible to shoot from a distance of 45-60 meters, which is 1.5 times more than a conventional charge with the same shot number. For hunting a wild boar or a wolf, a buckshot with a Magnum hitch is used. This allows you to increase the number of buckshot in the cartridge and lengthen the slaughter distance. When hunting for a hare on the territory of the fields, where the hare is often located at a distance of 50 meters, the Magnum hitch will also be effective, since at this distance a conventional projectile will lose energy for defeat. When hunting for a capercaillie, which takes place in the early hours in the gloomy light, the distance for a shot does not always correspond to what is desired, and the bird itself is strong on a wound, therefore it is quite advisable to use reinforced Magnum cartridges on such a hunt.
Cartridges for a large beast
Magnum bullet cartridges of 12 caliber 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 use it when hunting a bear or a large elk will not be superfluous. The charge of a 16-gauge gun can become equal to the force of 12 due to the enhanced charge, and when hunting a large beast, such an increase will be effective. The basic rule is that a shotgun should be designed for firing with enhanced charges. This condition affects not only the wear of the gun, but also on the safety of the hunter.
What are the findings
Cartridges "Magnum" 12 gauge in terms of charge can be equated to 10 caliber. The use of such cartridges is justified on certain types of hunts. Shooting with reinforced cartridges is possible only from shotguns designed for such pressures. This can be determined by the passport attached to the gun, and by the characteristics of the cartridge that are indicated on the package - this is the length of the cartridge case and pressure when firing a cartridge.
Basically, these charges are used in countries where the shooting of game on water bodies with lead charges is prohibited. Also, "Magnum" is used in small calibers to increase the charge if necessary.
Cartridges "Magnum" 12 gauge reviews among hunters leave positive, they emphasize the fact that using this charge on all types of hunting is impractical: it has a high cost and strong return. But with certain types of hunting, such a charge brings the desired result and is an effective method of increasing the sharpness and range of a battle when used correctly.