"Magnum" on shotshell box confuses me...

[DaveLikesGuns]

Hi everyone. I own a 20 gauge Mossberg 500 that my wife usually hunts and shoots trap with. I've taken a liking to it and want to get another one for myself. I was looking at available ammo for it and noticed that some of the Bird loads are described as "Magnum" on the box. The 20 gauge I own does not say anything about Magnum on the barrel. I assumed this meant DO NOT SHOOT Magnum loads through it.....then I realized I have some 20 gauge Black Cloud shells that have a higher FPS then the "Magnum" loads and the box does not say anything about magnums. I also see that there are Shotguns rated for Magnum loads but they appear to be marketed as defensive type shotguns and not field guns. What's the deal? Can I shoot Magnum bird shot loads through a regular 500 or not???? I've done some googling and many on the internet do say its fine but I trust this forum a lot more then those other guys.

Dave

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[Stomper]

Magnum = Marketing.


Unless you have an old OLD shotgun like from the black powder age (which you don't), and if the shot-shell is the same gauge and length as the chamber it'll be just fine in that M500.


Now MOUNT AND FIRE THE SHOTGUN, SON!

 

[DaveLikesGuns]

Great! Thanks for the reply.

 

[albin25]

Just means they can charge extra...
....cuz' they were blessed by Tom Sellick

 

[Certaindeaf]

Magnum means more powder.
Express means more shot.
Use both!
lolz

 

[EPS]

This comes down to your choke most guns or choke system recommend not to use certain rounds if you have a straight barrel with no choke you can use almost anything

 

[Stomper]

This comes down to your choke most guns or choke system recommend not to use certain rounds if you have a straight barrel with no choke you can use almost anything

Yeah man.... even Nestle Quick with some rocket fuel..... DO IT!!

 

[EPS]

I got shot guns with choke system but the Rem high velocity rounds say don't use in a full choke gun above 1700 feet per second

 

[No_Regerts]

Standard is 7.8 inches, magnum is 8.1, but slightly roomier up the shaft. They share the same base width to reduce the chance of slipping off.

 

[Stomper]

Standard is 7.8 inches, magnum is 8.1, but slightly roomier up the shaft. They share the same base width to reduce the chance of slipping off.

LMAO.... rough-riders are the solution, and they get everyone's attention on the range.

 

[DirectDrive]

LMAO.... rough-riders are the solution, and they get everyone's attention on the range.

Great muzzle covers and conversation starters.

 

[DirectDrive]

Hi everyone. I own a 20 gauge Mossberg 500 that my wife usually hunts and shoots trap with. I've taken a liking to it and want to get another one for myself. I was looking at available ammo for it and noticed that some of the Bird loads are described as "Magnum" on the box. The 20 gauge I own does not say anything about Magnum on the barrel. I assumed this meant DO NOT SHOOT Magnum loads through it.....then I realized I have some 20 gauge Black Cloud shells that have a higher FPS then the "Magnum" loads and the box does not say anything about magnums. I also see that there are Shotguns rated for Magnum loads but they appear to be marketed as defensive type shotguns and not field guns. What's the deal? Can I shoot Magnum bird shot loads through a regular 500 or not???? I've done some googling and many on the internet do say its fine but I trust this forum a lot more then those other guys.

Dave

Check that you have a 3" chamber...most modern field 20's do.
It's not good to shoot a 3" shell in a 2-3/4" chamber.
The case mouth can't fully open, you get an instant pressure spike, the spent case won't eject but I didn't die.
Not that I would ever do that......don't do that.
In 20 most of the time "Magnum" indicates a 3" shell although there are 2-3/4" Magnums.

The basics (lead shot) are :

20 GA 2-3/4" standard load = 7/8 @ 1200 FPS
20 GA 2-3/4" magnum load = 1-1/8 @ 1300 FPS

20 GA 3" magnum load = 1-1/4 @ <1200 FPS

Chuck has more detail on the 20 here :
20 Gauge

 

[Stomper]

Great muzzle covers and conversation starters.

If you're still having a conversation after whipping one of those bad-boys out.... you're not doing it right.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Cue Cleavon Little..."Excuse me while I whip this out..."
Andy

 

[DaveLikesGuns]

Thanks for all the info. Now i know what "Express" means, ive got some 12 gauge buckshot with the label but never thought of what it meant. Btw, the M500 20 gauge im talking does take 3 inch shells.

 

[No_Regerts]

LMAO.... rough-riders are the solution, and they get everyone's attention on the range.

Damn things look like see-through sea cucumbers.

 

[EPS]

So now I'm on my knees looking through my shotgun ammo in my closet every one who has a choke on there gun should have read this if it is a full choke no ammo over 1500 FPS REMINGTON HYPER SONIC 1700 FPS and this is #2 shot 3 1/2

 

[EPS]

This stuff is no joke you will feel the difference in your shoulder lol

 

[DirectDrive]

Damn things look like see-through sea cucumbers.

I get the black ones for a more industrial look.

 

[DirectDrive]

So now I'm on my knees looking through my shotgun ammo in my closet every one who has a choke on there gun should have read this if it is a full choke no ammo over 1500 FPS REMINGTON HYPER SONIC 1700 FPS and this is #2 shot 3 1/2 View attachment 434005 View attachment 434006 View attachment 434007

Stomper should be along to tag and bag this one.