First Look: Winchester 28-Gauge Waterfowl and Upland Loads

by
posted on October 3, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Mainwinchester Bismuth Waterfowl And Upland 28 Gauge

Winchester Ammunition has announced its latest selection of 3-inch, 28-gauge shotshells for upland and waterfowl hunting. These offerings will begin shipping in fall of 2023, just in the nick of time for hunting seasons.

With the growing interest in sub gauge for hunting, a modern look at the 28-gauge shotshell was an exciting prospect. Newly upgraded material technologies, such as bismuth, have made sub-gauges particularly intriguing and effective, even at ranges previously relegated to its larger cousins. The conmpany's new shotshells, with increased payloads, will initially be offered in Winchester Xpert Steel, Bismuth and Super Pheasant lines.

Xpert Steel Waterfowl & Upland
Winchester Xpert Steel packs a high-velocity, steel-shot payload designed to bring down birds hard and fast. With a load spec tailored to both upland and waterfowl hunting, Xpert Steel packs 3/4-ounce of 4 shot in its three-inch shell, for a good balance between pellet size and count. Velocity sits around 1300 fps.


Bismuth Waterfowl & Upland
With admirable range, excellent downrange energy and tight patterns, Winchester Bismuth offers everything the serious hunter seeks when going afield. With its denser material—9.6 g/cc compared to steel's 7.8 g/cc—shot size can be raised to 5, for a larger pellet count with similar terminal energy. The three-inch shell's payload is one ounce, while velocity maintains roughly 1300 fps, similar to Xpert steel.

Super Pheasant
Winchester Super Pheasant is an efficient upland offering. Copper-plated lead shot takes the density crown at 11.1 g/cc (provided tungsten loads aren't in the picture), and when paired with a tight patterning wad, ensues hard-hitting long-range performance. Five shot is used in a 1 1/8-ounce payload, while velocity out of the three-inch shell is 1200 fps. 

All the above offerings come in boxes of 25. For more information on any of these new loads, visit winchester.com.

Latest

Ledemichigan Hunter Draws
Ledemichigan Hunter Draws

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Primos Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Primos, now a Revelyst brand, will continue its 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a brand refresh, new product launches, storytelling initiatives and moments that honor the hunters and traditions that made the brand what it is today.

Henry Introduces New Deadeye Revolvers

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the addition of two new revolver variants, the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.