Magnum vs Non-magnum shotshells? Help...

cpileri

We're talking about 2.75" shells here.I have a buddy with an older 20ga shotgun with 2.75" chambers (a Mossberg 185DB bolt action).It was manufactured before the widespread use of magnum shotshells.Some 2.75" shells are marked "magnum" (some shot, all buckshot, and most slugs except Partition Gold); while some are not.The listed velocities are the same for each load.Are the "magnums" safe in the ol' mossberg? (remember, both 2.75")Is the pressure too high? what is the pressure difference?Any "non-magnum" buckshot out there?Anyone with one of these shotguns have any suggestions?thanks,Carl

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nord

Generally speaking the "magnum" is a marketing ploy. It's sort of like folks that seem to think low base shells are less powerful than high base shells. While probably true of factory loads, most low base shells are quite capable of being stuffed with magnum loads.Your gun will be quite safe in digesting any 2 3/4" round loaded to safe specifications. Get a reloading book and see how different loads compare. You'll be amazed.

Mr. Lobo

I am not sure about 20 Ga. but I just went through this with 12 Ga. Magnum. Another difference was I went from 2 3/4" to 3". We went out last weekend and shot some clays and my arm is still a couple of shades of black and blue. I noticed a huge difference between the 2 3/4" regular loads and the 3" Magnum loads. As for using them in an old shot gun I used them in an old pump Remington that was chambered for 3" without any problems.

brisco

Just call or write Mossberg and ask them. They are very friendly and helpfull people.Regards,Brisco

aby80

Check the number of pieces of shot in most 2.75" 12 ga. 00 shotshells and you will find a non-magnum load has 9 pieces of shot and a magnum load has 12 pieces of shot. I believe that is the only difference and that the powder charge is the same.

Police Sharpshooter

Shotgun chamber pressures are incredibly light compared to rifles. You can feed that gun anything you want to with no problems. About the only time you have to worry is when you are dealing with very old guns with damascus steel barrels. Shoot away !!

dakotashooter2

I believe the term magnum as applied to shotshells is more a reference to payload than power/velocity. I didn't realize this until I started re-loading shotshells and noticed that I could load 1 1/2 oz loads (lead) in both the 2 3/4" or 3" to nearly the same velocity and both were to be considered magnum load.In the good old day (read pre-steel and yes there was such a time) I used 2 3/4" or baby mags excusively for all my waterfowl hunting and rarely lost a bird even at long range. Steel is slightly different but now your biggest choice is do you wasnt a fast med. weight load or slower heavy weight load. I prefer the latter to have more shot in the air. Please note the loads I refer to are 12 ga but the principles apply to the 20.[This message has been edited by dakotashooter2 (edited 02-17-2002).]

talon

There is a difference between magnum load and maximum load: the former involves powder, the later, shot.

cpileri

so can I fire these "modern day, new fangled" loads labeled "mag" in my Mossberg 185 DB bolt action?That, I suppose, is the real question.CarlAnd thanks to all who replied!!