I have been hunting for a long time. I have shot all kinds of guns over the years. I don't do any reloading or anything. But, I've always wondered what a belt magnum really means?

There are several types of cases that rifle cartridges use. One of which is the belted magnum. Next time you are in a sporting goods store, pick up a box of 7 Mag or 300 Mag rounds, then compare either with your standard 30/06. The "belt" is found near the rim, or case head. There are also rimmed, semi-rimmed, rim-less, rebated etc etc the list goes on.

Belted magnums were introduced by Holland & Holland with the 300 and 375 H&H magnums. The case has a raised ring or "belt" at the head, just above the rim.
Most folks think this belt is to strengthen the case. It's not. H&H put it there to headspace the case. The shoulder angle on the H&H cases are too steep to headspace off of. Modern belted magnums don't need the belt since they use a less steep shoulder angle and can actually headspace off of it. Most belted mag shooters notice an improvement in accuracy when they neck size and allow the case to headspace off the shoulder instead of the belt.
Few belted mag cartridges have been introduced in the last 25 years. Most big rounds are base on beltless, rimless cases.

LOL As previously stated by Ranger with the exception of the H&H catridges which need them, beltsare an outdated anachronism...lol. More of a marketing thing. Belts were a big thing during the magnum craze in the 50's and 60's.

One exception is the .450 marlin which has a belt to keep it from being used in an older .45/70.

Here is what it looks like. See the belt at the bottom. That is a belted magnum.

http://www.municion.org/weatherby/416G.jpg

A belted Magnum is a cartridge which has a belt at the base to prevent a fracture, because of the higher pressure associated with these cartridges.

Also, many people, newer shooters in particular, believe the belt is outdated because of the recent Ultra Mags and short mags, which they probably all own several of.

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No, I actually mean it, I am tired of people downing cartridges such as the .300 and .338 Win Mag, because they believe them to be somehow inferior because they have a belt and the new "whiz bang ultra magnums" don't, these same people believe the lack of a belt helps accuracy, BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, if you have a short mag, I apologize, but this is just my opinion.