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

Ode To 270 Winchester Lead
Ode To 270 Winchester Lead

An Ode to the .270 Winchester

What is it about the .270 Winchester that remains so appealing to hunters? Sometimes the designers get things right the first time, and if you wanted to develop a cartridge to rival the venerated .30-06, the .270 comes about as close as is practically possible.

First Look: XS Sights 28 M-Lok Slot Handguard for S&W Model 1854

The new XS Sights handguard for Smith & Wesson’s Model 1854 lever-action rifle offers an added level of customization to the platform.

Remington Rimfire Ammo Roundup

Big Green feeds the .22s oh so well.

New for 2025: Kings Camo XKG Shift Collection

Kings Camo has introduced the XKG Shift Collection, a line of quiet, windproof and ultra-versatile apparel designed with whitetail hunters in mind.

Tips & Tricks for Early Season Canada Geese

As anticipated, the first family flock of Canada geese lifted off their nearby river roost, nearly skimmed the big-leafed cottonwoods and set their wings. I called once, letting the half-dozen full-body decoys do the rest. Five birds came in, three left.

First Look: Maven RFZ.1 Zoom Rangefinder

Maven Outdoor Equipment Company, a Wyoming-based brand, has expanded its premium RF series with the launch of the RFZ.1, a laser rangefinder featuring variable magnification.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.