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12 Gauge Dragon's Breath shotgun is insanely awesome

12-gauge Dragon's Breath is a specialty incendiary shotgun round designed to produce a dramatic pyrotechnic display. Instead of traditional lead shot, these shells are typically loaded with magnesium or zirconium shards that ignite upon firing. When the round is discharged, it creates a massive shower of sparks and a bright wall of flame that can extend between 100 and 300 feet, mimicking the effect of a short-range flamethrower.

While visually impressive and popular in films like John Wick 4, these rounds serve primarily as novelty items for demonstrations or signaling and are generally ineffective for hunting or self-defense due to their low terminal stopping power and high cost.

The use of Dragon's Breath ammunition carries severe safety risks and is subject to strict legal regulations. The burning metal particles reach temperatures between 3,000 and 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, posing an extreme fire hazard to both the user and the surrounding environment.

Firing these rounds in dry conditions can easily ignite vegetation or structures; for instance, an incident in late 2024 involving Dragon's Breath was linked to a 350-acre wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey. Furthermore, the magnesium residue can be corrosive to shotgun barrels, requiring immediate and thorough cleaning after use.

Due to these dangers, Dragon's Breath is illegal to manufacture, purchase, or fire in several U.S. states, including New Jersey, California, Illinois, and New York. In New Jersey, specifically, it is classified as restricted incendiary ammunition, and unauthorized use can lead to serious criminal charges such as arson.

Many online retailers will not ship these rounds to prohibited jurisdictions, and users in legal states are strongly advised to only fire them in controlled environments with adequate fire suppression equipment on hand
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