New 12 ga. "toy" help...

[Pred]

5: Is it safe to shoot "Magnum" shells? the gun chambers 2.77", 3", and 3.5" shells.

FYI and people can correct me if I'm wrong, but in the shotgun world I believe "Magnum" means more shot at the same pressure, not more pressure. Consequently, Magnum loadings often have lower velocities, with more lead.

Wrongo and backwards. More velocity, sometimes less shot. often times a shorter wad is used to make more room for poweder.

Never shoot the gun without a choke tube installed.

The barrel porting will not be an issue for shot comming out because the shot is still in the wad at this point.

ETA: And yes, that gun will definnetly handle magnum shells.

I think you're both right about the "magnum" loadings. Either way, whether its more velocity with light load, or lower velocity with heavier load, the load can't exceed maximum pressure limits. However, the 3 1/2 12ga loads have a higher saami operating pressure limit. And if you have ever shot a 3 1/2 inch 2+oz turky load in a short barreled synthetic/hollow stocked turkey gun (like the Mossberg 835 Grand Slam) you'll never have any doubts it's loaded at higher pressure.

SAAMI Shotgun Pressure Specifications (Maximum Average Pressure in PSI)
All Piezo measurements unless specified)

Cartridge Maximum Average pressure
10 gauge 11,000 (all)
12 gauge 11,500 (all but 3 1/2" mag)
12 gauge 3 1/2" mag 14,000
16 gauge 11,500 (all)
20 Gauge 12,000 (all)
28 gauge 12,500 (all)
.410 Bore 2 1/2" 12,500
.410 Bore 3" 13,500

[Ironbear]

FYI and people can correct me if I'm wrong, but in the shotgun world I believe "Magnum" means more shot at the same pressure, not more pressure. Consequently, Magnum loadings often have lower velocities, with more lead.

Wrongo and backwards. More velocity, sometimes less shot. often times a shorter wad is used to make more room for poweder.

OK. Now I am honestly confused.
See question 1.

http://hunting.about.com/od/shotgun/l/aastshotgunfaqa.htm

No. 1
Are Magnum Loads Faster Than Standard Field Loads?
I have been told that I will have to lead a duck more when using a standard field load than when using a magnum load because the latter is loaded to higher velocity. How much faster are magnum shotshells?

Unlike magnum centerfire rifle cartridges, which are usually faster than standard cartridges, magnum shotshells of all gauges are often slower than regular field loads. Use of the word magnum in shotshell terminology refers to a heavier shot charge and not necessarily an increase in speed. As examples, Remington’s 12-gauge 2 3/4-inch Premier Magnum turkey load has 1 1/2 ounces of shot and a 1260 fps muzzle velocity rating while Remington’s standard Game Load delivers 1/4 ounce less shot but is rated at a quicker 1330 fps. Moving on up in payload size, respective shot charge weights of the Premier Magnum loadings of the three-inch and 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge Magnum shells are two and 2 1/4 ounces respectively while their muzzle velocities are only 1175 and 1150 fps respectively. It all has to do with the maximum chamber pressures within which the ammunition makers must work, and when light and heavy shot charges are loaded to the same pressures, the latter will be lower in velocity.