Dragon's breath (ammunition)

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Dragon's breath at night

Dragon's breath is a special type of incendiary-effect round for 12 gauge (18.5 mm) shotguns. Dragon's breath consists primarily of magnesium pellets/shards. When the round is fired, sparks and flames can shoot out to about 100 feet (30 meters), although, some sources claim it extends to 300 feet (91 meters).[1] Dragon's breath is normally chambered in 12-gauge 2+3⁄4″ (18.5 mm × 69.9 mm) shot shells. The rounds are safe to fire out of an improved cylinder bore as well as a modified choke barrel, common on many shotguns.[2]

Overview[]

While its combat or tactical usage remains undocumented, the visual effect it produces is impressive and entertaining, similar to that of a short-ranged flamethrower or fireworks. Also undocumented, it has been claimed by enthusiasts that the rounds are often used as a distress signal, similar to a very short duration emergency flare gun, though some would argue a flare would be better suited for such. It may also be used as a less-than-lethal option for self-/home-defense, although the less-than-lethal aspect and safety are disputed, as the magnesium shards burn at approximately 3,000 to 4,000 °F (1,650 to 2,200 °C), which is more than enough to light a person, or house, on fire.[1][3]

Compared to most regular types of shotgun ammunition that is mass-produced, the pyrotechnic shell is somewhat expensive, and costs $5–7 USD per shell,[1][4] depending on caliber and load. Due to the shells being low-pressure charged rounds, it is not suited to be used in a semi-automatic shotgun as it does not produce enough recoil energy to cycle the automated action, causing the mechanism to fail to cycle. Thus it is more suited for pump-action shotguns.

Legality[]

Dragon's breath rounds are regulated by state law in four American states (California, Florida, Illinois and Iowa[5]), due to their inherent fire hazard.

References[]

  1. ^ a b c "AmericanSpecialtyAmmo.com". www.americanspecialtyammo.com. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Of Dragon's Breath and hammer-shells". TheFreeLibrary.com. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  3. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2016-01-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2016-01-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. ^ "NSSF Ammunition Laws by State" (PDF). Retrieved 10 September 2016.
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