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

Ruger Scout Gen Ii American New
Ruger Scout Gen Ii American New

Ruger Announces American Rifle Generation II Scout Models

Ruger ups the ante in 2026, delivering a newly crafted Scout rifle under its increasingly popular American Gen II line.

New for 2026: Hawke Optics Vantage IR 1-4x20mm in Mossy Oak Bottomland

Purpose-built to give turkey hunters fast target acquisition, precise shot placement and a camo pattern that blends seamlessly into the Spring woods, Hawke's latest LVPO is designed to impress.

Interior Department Increases Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has issued a secretarial order aimed at greatly expanding hunting and fishing on publicly managed lands.

Hunting with the Jet Set

A three-day Montana set for waterfowl proves to the author that Benelli’s Advanced Impact barrel technology is a game changer.

New for 2026: Federal Terminal Ascent Handgun

Federal Ammunition has announced its new Terminal Ascent Handgun ammunition line, built to deliver accuracy and terminal performance for hunters who carry a handgun into the field.

First Look: Retay USA Asend

Retay USA has introduced its Asend rifle, a .22 LR bolt-action rifle for small game hunters everywhere.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.