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

W H2026 05 Hardwarew3811 TAH 2914Lead2
W H2026 05 Hardwarew3811 TAH 2914Lead2

Hardware Review: Thompson/Center Encore ProHunter

Check out our review of the T/C Encore ProHunter, a new version of the legendary switch-barrel muzzleloader from Thompson/Center.

New for 2026: WRC Golden Estrus Scent Stick Formula

Wildlife Research Center has released its Golden Estrus Scent Stick Formula, a weather-resistant, long-lasting estrus scent designed to trigger the mating instincts of rutting bucks.

Screwworm Gains Toehold the United States

The New World Screwworm (NWS), which devastated wildlife populations and the Lone Star State’s livestock industry 60 year ago, has established two beachheads in Texas.

Field Shooting Positions & Real-World Hunting

Delivering a lethal shot with a rifle or handgun when afield requires an understanding of the various shooting positions, supports and realistic accuracy. This article is meant to serve as a primer.

New for 2026: Texas Hunter Products 300-lb. Cottonseed Feeder

Texas Hunter Products has released its 300‑lb. Cottonseed Feeder, a purpose‑built solution for land managers who rely on whole cottonseed to support healthy deer and wildlife year‑round.

#SundayGunday: Stoeger M3000 Freedom Series Tactical

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Stoeger M3000 Freedom Series Tactical shotgun. Based around an Inertia Driven system, this three-inch chambered shotgun can run a gamut of shotshells, from lightweight target loads to heavy turkey magnums. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.