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

Herman SX 4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2
Herman SX 4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2

#SundayGunday: Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2, the latest iteration of hunter-focused spotting scope from Leupold. Coming in both straight and angled configurations, and the buyer’s choice of 20-60x85mm or 15-45x65mm zoom ratio’s the SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 has a configuration for any preference and set of circumstances.

Bourbon Enthusiasts can Support Turkey Conservation

Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon, founded in 2018 by Russ Smith—a former professional basketball player—and Cecy Linzey, has entered into a partnership with Turkeys For Tomorrow (TFT) and is offering bourbon branded with the organization’s label.

Federal to Release More than 20 Centerfire and 25 Shotshell Options in 2026

Federal Ammunition has announced more than 20 new centerfire rifle ammunition options for 2026, and more than 25 new shotshell offerings.

Hunting Humor: Days Afield with Ike and Mike

The names have been changed in these mostly true stories that are in no way about anyone the reader might know.

Boone and Crockett Club has First Female President in 138 Years

Mary L. Webster was elected president of the Boone and Crockett Club during the organization’s 137th annual meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., late last year. She is the first woman to serve in this position since the Club’s inception in 1887.

New for 2026: Weatherby .25 RPM

For 2026, Weatherby has extended its cartridge line with the addition of the .25 Rebated Precision Magnum, the third in the series.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.