All About Dragon’s Breath Incendiary Shotgun Ammo

What is Dragon’s Breath shotgun ammunition?

Dragon’s Breath is a special incendiary round for shotguns. Firing a Dragon’s Breath round causes an impressive fire effect from the shotgun barrel, similar to a flamethrower. While Dragon’s Breath rounds are not practical for hunting, combat, or self-defense, the effect that they create makes them extremely popular for recreational purposes.

KIR Ammo carries Dragon’s Breath Incendiary Ammunition in 4 styles:

12 Gauge 0-0 Buckshot
12 Gauge 2.75″
20 Gauge 2.75″
.410 Bore

The fire effect from Dragon’s Breath rounds is created by small magnesium pellets. These burn between 3,000 and 4,000 degrees fahrenheit, and the flame can extend up to 100-300 feet.

History of Incendiary Shotgun Ammunition:

Incendiary shotgun ammunition, also known as Dragon’s Breath or Fireball rounds, has a storied history that can be traced back to World War II. These specialized rounds have captivated the minds of gun enthusiasts and military strategists alike due to their unique ability to ignite targets upon impact. Here, we take a look at the evolution of incendiary shotgun ammunition over the years.

• Origins – World War II:
  The concept of incendiary ammunition can be traced back to World War II when various militaries experimented with bullets designed to ignite flammable targets. Incendiary rounds were primarily used by aircraft machine guns to disable enemy planes and balloons by igniting their fuel tanks or gas cells. While these early incendiary rounds were not specifically designed for shotguns, they laid the groundwork for future developments.
• Development in the 1970s and 1980s:
  The first incendiary shotgun ammunition, commonly known as Dragon’s Breath, emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. These 12-gauge rounds were filled with a mixture of magnesium and other pyrotechnic compounds that created a short-range flame upon firing. The effect was visually striking, with a massive fireball shooting out of the barrel, but the practical applications were limited. Dragon’s Breath rounds were mostly seen as a novelty, used for demonstrations and special effects rather than for practical purposes.
• Use in Law Enforcement and Military:
  While the practicality of incendiary shotgun ammunition has been questioned, there have been instances where it has been employed by law enforcement and military forces. For example, Dragon’s Breath rounds have been used in the United States to ignite combustible materials during SWAT operations or to create a diversion during hostage rescue missions. Additionally, some military forces have used incendiary shotgun rounds for breaching doors or disabling enemy vehicles. However, the usage of these rounds in such applications has been limited due to concerns about collateral damage and safety.
• Legal Restrictions and Safety Concerns:
  Incendiary shotgun ammunition has faced legal restrictions in various jurisdictions due to its potential for misuse and the inherent dangers it poses. In the United States, for instance, the use of Dragon’s Breath rounds is prohibited in some states, while in others, it is highly regulated. The intense heat and flame produced by these rounds can cause unintended fires or severe burns, posing a significant safety risk to users and bystanders.
• Modern Incendiary Shotgun Ammunition:
  Today, incendiary shotgun ammunition remains a niche product, primarily used by enthusiasts or for specific tactical applications. Advances in technology have led to the development of more specialized incendiary rounds, such as those containing thermite or other high-temperature compounds. However, due to legal restrictions and safety concerns, the widespread use of incendiary shotgun ammunition remains limited.

Are Dragon’s Breath shotgun rounds legal in my state?

Because of the unique properties of Dragon’s Breath rounds, their use is restricted in some states. If you live in any of the following states, Dragon’s Breath rounds are illegal and can unfortunately not be shipped to your location:

If you live in any other area, you’re good to go! Just be sure to exercise proper safety precautions, as the temperature emitted from Dragon’s Breath ammo can easily catch fire to trees, buildings, and other flammable material.

Dragon’s Breath in Pop Culture

Dragon’s Breath or references to it can be seen in pop culture as well. The popular online video game Fortnite by Epic Games contains an item called the Dragon’s Breath Shotgun. The behavior of this weapon isn’t exactly accurate to real-world Dragon’s Breath rounds, though shooting an enemy player with it will amusingly set them on fire. The Dragon’s Breath, also referred to as Incendiaries, is a type of ammunition for the SPAS-12 in Call of Duty: Black Ops. It returns as an operator mod for the MOG 12 in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and as an attachment for some shotguns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. It was removed from Call of Duty Online. Dragon’s Breath ammo was featured in the 2023 Release of the John Wick 4 movie starring Keanu Reeves.

Dragon’s Breath Ammo FAQs

Q: Will Dragon’s Breath ammo damage my barrel?
A: No, not typically. The shell just contains magnesium flakes with other metals that burn when shot out of your shotgun. It shouldn’t damage anything inside the barrel.

Q: What are the Dangers of Dragon’s Breath?
A: Obviously, all firearms are dangerous if not used correctly. Above and beyond normal gun safety, one must be very careful not to catch areas on fire when shooting Dragon’s Breath ammo. This ammunition is designed to light things on fire. It does a very good job of this. Please be careful!

Q: What is Dragon’s Breath Ammunition Typically Used for?
A: Lighting things on fire!

Dragon’s Breath is also an item in the video game Minecraft, and is the name of a particularly spicy red pepper.

Where can I buy Dragon’s Breath ammo?

Dragon’s Breath rounds are for sale on our website and are one of our most popular items. KIR Ammo ships nationwide; as long as you don’t live in a state where Dragon’s Breath ammo is illegal, obtaining it is quite simple! We have a large inventory on-hand in our warehouse ready to ship out at a moment’s notice.