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

Beagles (2)
Beagles (2)

6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Hunting Dog

Having a four-legged hunting companion makes for more memorable days in the field, but before buying a pup ask yourself these six questions.

New for 2026: Berger 7mm PRC Elite Hunter

New for 2026, Berger is expanding its Elite Hunter ammunition line to include two new 7mm PRC cartridge offerings.

Hardware Review: Bergara B-15 Squared CIMA CF

The Bergara B-14 Squared Cima CF design and weight split the difference between traditional hunting rifles and ultralight rigs. It does use carbon fiber, but it doesn’t try to be ultralight at the expense of skeletonizing or titanium.

First Look: Summit Treestands Mesh Seat and Seat Back Organizer in Bottomland

Summit Treestands has announced two additions to its lineup designed to enhance comfort, organization and concealment for hunters: the Mesh Seat and the Seat Back Organizer available now in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland.

A Deep Dive into Late-Season Divers

When he was 12 the author shot a limit of ring-necks when he was hunting for wigeon. It wasn’t the last time divers turned a slow day of duck hunting into a memorable one. The season might be over, but take a step back into the very end of the season with Scott Haugen, as he takes on some divers.

New for 2026: Knight & Hale Deer Call Lineup

Knight & Hale Game Calls, has launched its latest line of deer calls, a collection which includes the EZ-Grunter, EZ-Grunter Xtreme, Death Chamber and Ultimate Rattle Bag. Read on for a detailed description of each.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.