Baschieri & Pellagri - Let's consider this Extra Magnum 63 cartridge a niche product given that in Italy the 12/89 caliber is certainly not as widespread as the classic 12/70 or the pressing 12/76: it can be a specific solution for those hunts where the size of the prey and the distance at which usually you shoot them require a longer operating arm and a more conspicuous and decisive energy transfer. To examine this sturdy cartridge comes along with the examination of the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, recently presented by the House of Urbino and which we show in another space of the magazine.
The examination of the hunting cartridge starts from the packaging in an elegant cardboard box with a gold-colored background and inserts of stripes and olive green bands: on the front stands the initials B&P followed by the double writing in beautiful italics. Extra Magnum 63 repeated in white and, a little below, decidedly increased in the aforementioned green. At the upper edge, a strip still in green has the words gauge 12 - height 89 mm - lenght 3½ ”- G 63 - oz in gold. 2¼ with a mixture of English and Italian, however understandable to everyone. Once the lid is opened, the wording with the company headquarters, telephone and fax numbers, plus the internet connection appears on one of the two internal closing flaps. The wording seen on the front is repeated on the back while the wording Gordon System is added to the two shorter sides, referring to the construction of the cartridge case that many will remember as a novelty of several years ago relating to this company. Still on one of the side panels a white box appears on which the number of dots adopted is reported: over time the writing tends to fade. On the bottom of the box you can read the safety prescriptions, among which the one relating to the use of these charges only in shotguns with the right chamber and which have passed the 1370 bar test is clearly visible.
The ten cartridges contained exhibit an invoice free from any flaw and a meticulous intent to make available to the hunter all the useful data with easily legible handwriting even in imperfect light conditions and with a view that is not really a hawk.
So let's look at the cartridges loaded with very progressive powder, double force primer, shock-absorbing container wad and nickel-plated shot: the famous Gordon System has the prerogative of showing a circular crown of the synthetic material with which the case is formed, including the primer seat. and on which the company logo is shown: the brass-plated caseback, with its 18 mm in height, fits on this entity and encloses it, giving it the right resistance to effort. The tube has tiny vertical streaks that facilitate detachment from the chamber and therefore extraction. The gold writings on the greenish background indicate the B&P under the words Extra Magnum 63, followed by 3½ ”and 89 mm, in two distinct squares again G 63 and N ° 2, referring of course to the pellets contained; then there is the wording Max 1050 BAR to keep attention on the value of the pressure developed.
Even if the dark green color of the shell makes it a little difficult to find the finished shells on the grassy ground, the style and elegance are rewarding and we like them just like that. As for the performance, nothing to complain: especially for those who, like us, are not used to the use of these charges, it is a certain effect to observe the amazing results on game.