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

Landmark
Landmark

Landmark Increase in Hunting Access to Federal Land on the Horizon

The Department of Interior has released details of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) proposed expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities, the largest in agency history. National Park Service actions to remove unnecessary hunting-related restrictions across National Park System units—where hunting is authorized by law—were also included in the announcement.

Bear(ly) Armed—Bear Defense Calibers

A perusal of some fun and effective sidearm options for your spring black bear adventures.

First Look: Lumenok Adds Two Lighted Crossbow Nocks

Lumenok has introduced two additions to its lighted nock lineup: the TP 254 Nock for TenPoint bolts and the SQ300 Nock for Scorpyd crossbows.

Range Review: Winchester Supreme Long Range Ammo

Winchester's latest ammunition line is the Supreme Long Range centerfire rifle ammo, and that line is built around its BC Max projectile. Using a thick, drawn copper jacket, steep boattail at the rear and a relatively oversized polymer tip, the BC Max bullet is built for resisting wind deflection and retaining energy downrange. Check out Phil Massaro's review of the new ammo line here.

First Look: Hunter Specialties Trio of Deer Calls

Hunters Specialties has announced an all-new lineup of grunt tubes for 2026.

Arkansas Has Best Turkey Harvest in Two Decades—a Product of Sound Management

Arkansas turkey hunters checked 13,591 turkeys during this year’s season, which ended May 10. It was the highest spring turkey harvest since 2006.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.