Dragon's breath (ammunition)

Dragon's breath is a special type of incendiary-effect round for 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]

Dragon's breath at night

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.[3] Some enthusiasts claim that the rounds are often used as a distress signal, similar to a very short duration emergency flare gun. The safety aspects of the ammunition 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][4]

Compared to mass-produced shotgun ammunition, the pyrotechnic shell is somewhat expensive, costing $3 USD per .410 gauge shell[1][5] and upwards depending on caliber and load.

Legality

United States

The sale of Dragon's breath rounds is illegal in several states (Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, and New York) and shipping may be restricted in other locations and cities due to their inherent fire hazard.[6]

See also

References
  1. "AmericanSpecialtyAmmo.com". www.americanspecialtyammo.com. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  2. "Of Dragon's Breath and hammer-shells". TheFreeLibrary.com. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  3. Action movie gunfight with simulated Dragon's Breath shotgun blasts, accessed 1 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230331180155/https://www.vulture.com/2023/03/inside-the-john-wick-4-explosive-dragons-breath-shoot-out.html
  4. "Precision Gun Works 12 Gauge Phoenix Burst / Dragon’s Breath Ammo PGW12PB - 5 Rounds per Box". Archived from the original on 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  5. "Precision Gun Works 12 Gauge Phoenix Burst / Dragon’s Breath Ammo PGW12PB - 5 Rounds per Box". Archived from the original on 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  6. "'Super Dragon' Dragon's Breath Ammunition 12 Gauge 2 3/4" - 5 Round Pack". Phoenix Rising. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
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