Winchester Varmint X Shotshell

by
posted on January 18, 2016
** 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. **

There's no doubt about it, Winchester's Shot-Lok technology has been a full-fledged revolution. Though originally designed with turkeys in mind, the concept has expanded to upland loads and, for 2016, will enter a not-so-feathered market. Coyotes, hogs and varmints the world over will be testing their luck against Varmint X shotshells going forward.

The core concept is what you'd expect. The new predator shotshell features the same Shot-Lok resin that has made Long Beard XR a devastating turkey load. Where it separates itself from the predator shotshell pack, though, is in payload delivery. Whereas most predator shotguns hells rely on #00 Buck, and thus seven or eight pellets, tops, the Varmint X loads will be available in BB. What shot loses in size, though, it gains in pattern density. With more pellets at its disposal and the Shot-Lok resin, Varmint X puts the hammer to its target. Need more convincing? The photo embedded below is the spread we saw when we tested the new load at 60 yards. Yes, 60 yards.

Our Web Managing Editor, Shawn Skipper, will be putting the new Varmint X shotshells to work next week in Texas. We'll have more coverage after he gets back. In the meantime, be sure to check out the video embedded above for more info.

For more information, go to Winchester.com.

Latest

35 Whelen M77 With Ammunition
35 Whelen M77 With Ammunition

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Know How: Find Your Long-Range Limit

Curious where your ethical limit is in the field? Mark Kayser shows you exactly how to find it.

Smith & Wesson Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Model 1854

Smith & Wesson has announced the launch of its America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle, created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

#SundayGunday: Fiocchi Hyperformance Hunt

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out an excellent hunting round from Fiocchi: Hyperformance Hunt. Designed for intense terminal performance at standard to long hunting distances, the Hyperformance Hunt line comes loaded with either a Hornady SST Polymer Boat-Tail bullet, a Swift Scirocco Boat-Tail Spitzer, or a Barnes TTSX Polymer Tipped Copper HollowPoint. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

First Look: Eylar X Brownells 250th Anniversary Rifle and Pistol Cases

Eylar has launched its 250th Anniversary rifle case and pistol case, created in partnership with Brownells to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Featuring patriotic artwork, tan hard-shell construction and purpose-built foam interiors, the commemorative cases offer firearm owners a distinctive way to protect and transport their gear while honoring a major milestone in American history.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.