Announcing Killer New Shotgun Ammo For 2023

Winchester Long Beard XR NWTF 50 Year Commemorative

Winchester is helping celebrate 50 years of wild turkey conservation by giving long-beard chasers its Long Beard XR NWTF 50. Available for 12-gauge shooters, Shot-Lok Technology provides twice the number of pellets in a 10-inch circle out to 60 yards. That type of pattern will be hell on the dome of any tom, and the Shot-Lok lead #5s ensure penetration that trumps that of standard lead. With a payload of 1 ¾ ounces, these 3-inch shotshells produce a muzzle velocity of 1,200 fps and hit hard.

$Prices Vary; winchester.com

Hevi-Shot Hevi-Metal Xtreme

The latest add to Hevi-Shot's already impressive Hevi-Metal line is Hevi-Metal Xtreme. Using tested-true Pattern Dense Technology, HEVI-Shot 12g/cc tungsten layered over 70% premium steel pellets hurts birds bad. The leading layer of 12-density tungsten hits up to 53% harder than the steel layer, according to Hevi-Shot testing. The good news: this shotshell success story isn't over. These killers use the FlightControl Flex wad, a rear-braking marvel engineered to improve pattern density and consistency, and it can be shot safely with any steel-rated ported or non-ported choke. Twelve and 20-gauge options are available.

$59-$60; hevishot.com

Federal Black Cloud 28 Gauge

Forever rooted in waterfowl-slaying lore, Federal's Black Cloud line has proven exceptional, and for 2023, this time-tested shotshell is offered in 28-gauge. There's no denying the sub-gauge craze, and those looking to put ducks and geese down for the count should look to this 1,400-fps muzzle velocity shotshell. Like all Black Cloud makes, the 28-gauge uses Federal's FliteControl Flex wad to ensure perfect pattern density and consistency when fired from ported and standard waterfowl chokes. The payload is made up of 40% FliteStopper Steel and 60% Premium steel. Reducing barrel residue is a high-performance primer and clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant. The head of the shotshell is plated to reduce corrosion, and the sealed crimp keeps moisture out even when Mother Nature is at her worst. Federal's Black Cloud 28 Gauge will be offered in shot sizes #3 and #4.

$41; federalpremium.com

Federal Hi-Bird Fiber Wad

A load that allows you to drop the hammer on distant birds and reduce the amount of plastic left in the field, Federal's Hi-Bird Fiber Wad is an excellent choice for the high-volume upland hunter. The fiber wad and gas-sealing, over-powder wad with cellulose-based filler material is genius. The lead shot is engineered for an optimum blend of hardness and density to suit competition shooters and those wanting to fill the game bag.

$25; federalpremium.com

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