Just FYI: a shotgun wont blow up if you load it with a .50 BMG round and pull the trigger.
The neck of the cartridge isn't supported so pressure can't really build, it just blows past the bullet.
IIRC the bullet does leave the barrel, but it has the energy of a wet fart powering it.
Edit: it's a little setting off a firecracker on an open palm, it's only only once you close your fist around the firecracker that the damage happens.