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Defender
17 WSM
Deer Season XP
Expedition Big Game Long Range
AA
Long Beard XR
Blind Side
2017 AMMUNITION CATALOG LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION
.640 BALLISTIC COEFFICIENT IN 300 WSM
OLYMPIC MEDALS 6 3,539 FOOT POUNDS OF ENERGY AT 100 YDS. for Deer Season XP’s ® 300 WSM 150-grain bullet. Devastating Power. Precision Accuracy. PAGE 12
3
67 3” 40 PELLETS CIRCLE YARDS
CONSECUTIVE WORLD RECORDS
New for 2017, Expedition Big Game Long Range delivers devastating performance at longer
Long Beard ® XR ® dominates on the range and in the field. PAGE 24
ranges. PAGE 20
25 % more kill zone with
for Kim Rhode. The USA Shooting Team trusts AA ® on the world stage PAGE 10
Blind Side’s ® stacked, fast and deadly hexagonal steel shot. PAGE 16
66% of new shooters shoot handguns. Winchester W Train & Defend aids in practice and protection. PAGE 6
FPS
The speed of 17 WSM Varmint X Lead Free, the fastest rimfire on earth. PAGE 26
3,300
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2017 AMMUNITION CATALOG
BALLISTICS INFORMATION
01
02 New Products
02
03
The innovation that has made the Winchester brand a technological leader for 150 years continues today with the introduction of these new products in 2017.
34 Centerfire Rifle
34
04
06 Shooting
35
05
From bullets engineered specifically for big game to products built for target shooting, competition and personal defense, Winchester offers a comprehensive lineup of centerfire ammunition.
36
06
Recreational shooting and interest in personal defense continues to grow across the country, and Winchester is there with offerings to keep these shooters on target.
37
07
39 Centerfire Handgun
38
08
12 Deer
39
09
Winchester offers a comprehensive lineup of ammunition for centerfire handguns, from high-quality products for recreational and competitive shooting to ammunition built for hunting and self-defense.
40
10
Deer hunters often work long and hard to get that one shot at the buck of a lifetime. When that moment comes, they need to trust their ammunition.
41
11
42
12
42 Shotshell
16 Waterfowl
43
13
When it comes to technology-driven shotshells, Winchester continues to improve the overall hunting and shooting experience for sports- men and women with high-value loads for every passion and pursuit.
Since its earliest days, the Winchester brand has been at the forefront of waterfowl shotshell technology. That spirit lives on in today’s top offerings.
44
14
45
15
20 Big Game
46
16
48 Rimfire
47
17
Big, sometimes dangerous, animals demand a tough bullet and hard-hitting load. Expedition Big Game and Winchester’s other big game loads deliver both.
48
18
Winchester continues to lead the way in rimfire ammunition develop- ment, delivering optimum reliability and technology-driven perfor- mance through an impressive selection of quality rimfire offerings.
49
19
24 Turkey
50
20
50 Components
51
21
Led by the revolutionary Long Beard XR, which delivers longer range shots at a value-friendly price, Winchester turkey loads are changing the game in springtime.
22
From bullets and powders to hulls, wads and primers, Winchester is keeping reloaders productive with best-in-class components.
23
26 Predator
24
52 Winchester Life Winchester is a way of life, a life to be proud of, built on heritage, family traditions and some of the most innovative products ever introduced for hunters and sportsmen around the world.
As predator populations grow, so does popularity in hunting them. Winchester Varmint X and other offerings provide the perfect medicine for dealing with nuisance species.
25
26
28 Upland Game Birds
27
28
Whether picking out a quail from a covey or swinging on a single flushing pheasant, Winchester has an upland load to help fill your limit.
AN ALL-DIGITAL SERIES, NOW AVAILABLE ON WINCHESTERTV.COM
28
30
30 Winchester Licensed Merchandise
31
32
For more than a century and a half, the Winchester brand has represented quality. That tradition continues with these Winchester branded items available in 2017.
33
WINCHESTER
NEW PRODUCTS 02
EXPEDITION BIG GAME – LONG RANGE Tough Game. Tougher Bullet.
INNOVATION FOR THE NEXT 150 YEARS Last year, the Winchester brand celebrated 150 years of legendary excel- lence. But the ride doesn’t end there. The innovative technology that has made our brand a leader in the hunting and shooting sports industry for a cen- tury and a half continues today. Here’s what you’ll see fromWinchester in 2017.
Accubond LR polymer tip resists deformation, maximizes long-range performance and promotes expansion.
C
ontinuing with the goal of making ammunition selection simpler
for hunters, Winchester® rolled out Expedition Big Game last year to much fanfare. The ammunition line is built for use on the toughest hunts around the world and was introduced in a range of popular big-game calibers. That range of calibers will expand in 2017 with the introduction of six new additions built specifically for long-range accuracy, trajectory and terminal performance.
NEW OFFERINGS: CALIBER
The knockdown power of Expedition Big Game Long Range is centered around Accubond® LR bullet technology. It features a polymer tip and bonded alloy lead core. Upon impact, the Accubond LR bullet delivers controlled expansion and deep penetration. The lineup also features nickel-plated shell cases to go along with the Nosler® bullet technology. Expedition Big Game Long Range comes 20 rounds to a box. Expedition Big Game Long Range is the ideal ammunition for hunting big game around the world. It delivers a high ballistic coefficient for flat-shooting, pinpoint accuracy at long ranges and devastating performance due to deep penetration from the bonded-bullet construction.
SYMBOL S300LR S300SLR S3006LR
BULLET WT.
300 WIN MAG
190 grain 190 grain 190 grain 168 grain 150 grain 142 grain
300 WSM
30-06 SPRG
7mm Rem Mag
S7LR
270 WIN
S270LR S65LR
6.5 Creedmoor
DEER SEASON XP ® Bigger Tip. Bigger Impact. ®
Key features of Deer Season XP include: • Bigger Tip. Bigger Impact.® – Radically large- impact-diameter design expands immediately upon contact to deliver the energy needed for massive knockdown power. • Accuracy – Deer Season XP flies straight thanks to the Extreme Point™ polymer tip, tapered bullet jacket and precision swaged lead core. • Price – Top shelf performance at a great price.
eer hunting is still king over any type of hunting in the U.S. Deer Season XP was Winchester’s first ammunition offering made specifically for that purpose. In 2017, it will be joined by one of the most popular modern sporting rifle (MSR) chamberings, the .223 Rem., and a more-recently developed caliber that is growing in popularity for its flat-shooting capability, the 6.5 Creedmoor. With more hunters owning and shooting MSR rifles chambered in .223 Rem., the new Deer Season XP offers a 64-grain bullet specifically designed for deer hunting (where legal for use in deer hunting). The 6.5 Creedmoor has been growing in popularity, not just at the range, but in the hunting woods as well. The introduction of a 125-grain 6.5 Creedmoor offering solidifies the round as an ultra- effective deer load. The loads come 20 rounds to a box. D
NEW OFFERINGS: CALIBER
SYMBOL X223DS
BULLET WT.
223 Rem
64 grain 125 grain
6.5 Creedmoor
X65DS
NEW PRODUCTS 03
LONG BEARD ® XR ® Locked Shot. Longer Range.
Award-winning Shot-Lok technology protects shot during in-bore acceleration, launching it from the barrel near perfectly round for tight, long-range patterns.
ell worth the wait, Winchester will now offer its ground-breaking Long Beard XR in 20 gauge. With improved shotshell technology delivering more power and tighter loads in smaller gauge shotguns, an increasing number of turkey hunters are opting for the 20-gauge shotgun. Now those hunters will have a load that will allow them to maximize the 20 gauge’s potential. The new 20-gauge Long Beard XR will come in a 3-inch W
NEW OFFERINGS: GAUGE SYMBOL
OZ. SHOT SIZE
LENGTH
20 20 12
STLB2035 3” STLB2036 3”
1¼ 5 1¼ 6 1¼ 5
shell loaded with either No. 5 or No. 6 shot. It will come 10 rounds to a box. The key feature behind Long Beard XR’s long-range capability is the shell’s Shot-Lok® technology. Instead of traditional buffering materials, Shot-Lok is injected as a liquid resin into the hull among the lead shot during assembly. That resin then hardens to keep pellets locked in place until the round is fired. Upon firing, Shot-Lok immediately fractures into a micro- buffer that protects the shot from deformation caused by set-back forces. This ensures the shot exits the muzzle nearly perfectly round, which provides tighter and more uniform patterns at extended ranges.
STLB125
2 3 ⁄ 4
”
Maximum Impact Diameter The diameter of a bullet at impact is what initiates expansion. The larger the diameter, the more rapidly the bullet expands, allowing a higher transfer of energy and a larger wound channel.
Polymer Tip For flat trajectory and energy retention
IT’S CALLED DEER SEASON XP FOR A REASON—WINCHESTER ENGINEERED IT FOR OPTIMUM PERFOR- MANCE ON AMERICA’S FAVORITE BIG GAME SPECIES: WHITETAILS, BLACKTAILS AND MULE DEER.
Conventional Soft Point
Conventional Polymer Tip
Tapered Jacket Engineered for lethal penetration on deer
Alloyed Lead Core Optimized for maximum energy transfer and impact power
WINCHESTER
NEW PRODUCTS 04
Super X ® Subsonic
RIMFIRE
New Offerings in Rimfire and Centerfire Rifle
he Super X® line of ammunition is known for delivering the ideal balance between high performance and superior value to America’s hunters and recreational shooters. T
Small game hunters, varminters and suppressed firearm fans are hitting the jackpot with several great new loads to work with in 2017. Winchester introduces a .22 Win. Mag. Subsonic round to the Super X lineup. The .22 Win. Mag. Subsonic reduced-noise round is made expressly for use in suppressed firearms for the ultimate in low-noise performance, but will also produce less audible sound when fired through standard .22 Win. Mag. firearms as well, making it a great hunting round.
CENTERFIRE RIFLE
TARGET SHOOTING AND HUNTING WITH SUPPRESSORS IS
The .308 Win. and 300 BLK centerfire offerings are designed for improved terminal performance at subsonic velocities and have a radical profile for enhanced expansion.
CALIBER 300 BLK 308 Win GROWING IN POPULARITY, AND THESE NEW OFFERINGS ARE IDEAL FOR THOSE SHOOTERS LOOKING TO USE HEAVY-FOR- CALIBER PROJECTILES TO MAXIMIZE PERFORMANCE AND
NEW CENTERFIRE RIFLE OFFERINGS:
NEW RIMFIRE OFFERING: CALIBER SYMBOL
SYMBOL
BULLET WT.
VELOCITY RDS./BOX
BULLET WT. VELOCITY RDS./BOX
X300BLKX 200 gr X308SUBX 185 gr
1060 fps 20 1060 fps 20
22 WIN MAG X22MSUB 45 grain
1060 fps 20
MINIMIZE NOISE IN SHORT-RANGE TARGET AND HUNTING SITUATIONS.
The .22 Win. Mag. Subsonic is made for use in suppressed rimifire rifles, but produces less sound when fired from standard firearm platforms in this caliber.
Reduce sound without losing lethality with new .308 Subsonic Super X cartridges.
NEW PRODUCTS 05
Varmint X ® Lead Free Xtreme on Predators
redator hunting continues to grow in popularity, but so do the number of areas, particularly in the West, that require the use of lead-free bullets. In 2017, Winchester is introducing a lead-free option to its Varmint X® line of predator-dedicated ammunition called Varmint X® Lead Free. Varmint X Lead Free is built with a similar zinc-core tech- nology utilized in Winchester’s Super Clean® pistol ammunition. What’s more, this technology helps keep the ammunition more affordable for those hunters looking to engage in high-volume shooting either at predators or on the range. Varmint X Lead Free provides an affordably priced, high- performing option for predator hunters looking for acccuracy and devastating terminal performance. P
NEW CENTERFIRE RIFLE OFFERINGS:
CALIBER 243 Win 223 Rem
SYMBOL X243PLF X223PLF
BULLET WT.
NEW RIMFIRE OFFERING: CALIBER SYMBOL BULLET WT. 17 WSM X17W15PLF 15 grain
55 grain
38 grain 22-250 Rem X22250PLF 38 grain
.17 WSM, the Fastest Rimfire on Earth, now available in Lead-Free.
Varmint X Lead Free in .223 Rem is a perfect offering for the predator hunter.
Super Clean ® Keep it Clean
W
ith more recreational pistol shooters than ever before and more interest among those shooters in
Winchester Super Clean is completely lead free – both airborne and downrange.
becoming better prepared and more proficient behind the trigger, Winchester continues to answer the demand for better performing, yet affordable ammunition options when it comes to training at the range. Enter the brand’s Super Clean line, which in 2017, will add a .45 ACP offering to the lineup. Super Clean ammunition features zinc-core brass- jacketed bullets and are completely lead-free for the ultimate in indoor range performance and safety. Super Clean are offered 50 rounds per box. Winchester is committed to delivering more value-priced lead-free centerfire product options that are ideal for use on indoor ranges as the number of shooters visiting these ranges grows around the country. As one of the most popular rounds among handgun shooters, this latest .45 ACP ammunition is a testament to that commitment.
NEW OFFERINGS:
CALIBER
SYMBOL
BULLET WT.
45 ACP
W45LF
160 grain
WINCHESTER
SHOOTING
06
AS RECREATIONAL SHOOTING AND INTEREST IN SELF-
DEFENSE CONTINUES TO STEADILY GROW ACROSS THE COUNTRY, WINCHESTER DEVELOPS AMMUNITION TO MEET THE PERFORMANCE NEEDS OF EVERY DISCIPLINE.
D
epending on the source, it’s estimated there are between 20 million and 40 million recreational shooters in the United States. When you factor in that this crowd includes clay target shooters, rifle and handgun competitors, self-defense practi-
3.3 million women target shooters in the United States in 2001. By 2013, that number had grown by 60 percent to 5.4 million. Forty-three percent of those women hit a range for target practice at least once a month. For many, self-defense and home safety are huge con- cerns. The success of many states streamlining concealed carry requirements now allows more people to legally carry a firearm on their person when going about their daily routines. Odds are, the majority of these people will thankfully never require a firearm to actually defend themselves, but for those who have had one when they needed it, it was the best insurance they could’ve had. For the rest, it’s about maintaining a sense of responsibility and self-reliance, common traits that Americans have exhibited in the founding and protection of this country throughout its 200-plus year history.
tioners, weekend plinkers and even those who own a firearm and maybe only shoot it once or twice a year at most, you can quickly see how pinpointing a precise estimate of recreational shooters can be, well, such a moving target. One thing is certain, however, the number of people joining the gun-owning ranks and flocking to local ranges or signing up for training classes continues to skyrock- et, and women are leading the way. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) there were
07 SHOOTING
A Ballistically-Matched Ammunition System Few decisions are as important as selecting your personal defense ammunition. Winchester W Train & Defend® simplifies the process, featuring ballistically- matched practice and personal-protection loads that also offer less perceived recoil for better accuracy.
LEAD-FREE PRIMER Range-friendly lead-free primers reduce airborne particulate for less exposure to lead.
NICKEL-PLATED SHELLCASE Easily identifiable from the brass-cased Train rounds, Defend rounds use nickel-plated shellcasings, which tarnish less.
FULL METAL JACKET The standard among practice rounds, full metal jacket bullets cost less but are ballistically matched to Winchester’s Defend loads.
HOLLOW-POINT BULLET The hollow-point bullet expands into six segments upon impact increasing the projectile more than 1.65 to 1.75 times its normal diameter.
TRAIN CONFIDENTLY EFFECTIVELY DEFEND
As much as external events have shaped the growth in the shooting sports today, existing shoot- ers can also take credit. They are a generous and welcoming group. According to economic research firm Southwick Associates, “nearly half of all active target shooters introduce a newcomer to the range or field each year.” No matter whether you’ve been shooting your entire life, are new to the shooting sports, love to compete at the highest levels or sim- ply enjoy getting friends and family together on the weekend for a fun round of informal target shooting, Winchester has an extensive line of ammunition made for every purpose and every person.
“T” loads are designed for economical practice with loads that mimic your actual defensive load. The Train
“D” loads match the ballistic performance of the training loads, but with a defensively
rounds of the W Train & Defend system are identified with a prominent (T) on the package and the offerings themselves are also distinguishable from their Defend counterparts with brass shellcases and full metal jacket bullets.
more effective hollow-point bullet with a bonded lead-alloy core. The Defend ammunition features jacketed hollow- point bullets and nickel-plated shellcases, making them easily distinguishable from the training ammunition.
WINCHESTER
08
SHOOTING
See page 39 for the full line-up of Winchester centerfire handgun loads, as well as detailed ballistics information.
BUILT FOR THE RANGE
Thanks to interest in self-defense and concealed carry, handguns lead the way in popularity at gun counters around the nation. From large caliber semi-autos with extensive knockdown power to lighter caliber high-capacity firearms popular in timed-shooting competitions, Winchester handgun loads meet the exacting tolerances to keep firearms working at peak performance. SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING REQUIRES A LOT OF TIME BEHIND THE GUN AND IT MUST BE RELIABLE EVERY TIME YOU PULL THE TRIGGER. THAT’S WHY LOADS SUCH AS W TRAIN & DEFEND ARE THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR GUNOWNERS LOOKING TO BALANCE RELIABILITY WITH AFFORDABILITY.” —Rob Pincus Self-Defense Expert ICE Training
W Train & Defend ® Designed for the modern wave of self-defense training, W Train & Defend is an ammunition system that combines training loads for ample practice that are ballistically matched to defensive loads used when carrying concealed. Regardless of whether shooting Train (T) or Defend (D) loads, each one is designed to limit felt recoil by the shooter.
USA Forged ™ Introduced in 2016, USA Forged is one of the first precision- manufactured steel shell-case ammunition offerings wholly manufactured in the United States. The 9mm loads feature a 115-grain full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet with a high-quality brass bullet jacket, non-corrosive boxer primers and clean- burning powder. USA Forged is offered in a range-friendly size of 150 rounds per box.
Bonded lead-alloy core bullet
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets.
Heavy bullets equal better terminal performance, less recoil
Non-corrosive boxer primers and clean-burning powder
Lead-free primers in Train rounds
Steel casings are easy to see and collect with a magnet
SHOOTING 09
®
The Defender line includes centerfire handgun, centerfire rifle, rimfire and shotgun slug options.
Segmenting Slug Centerfire Rifle
Rimfire
Centerfire Handgun
Defender ® For almost a decade, Winchester Defender has been the choice of discerning defensive shooting instructors and students. Made with the most advanced threat-stopping technology, Defender handgun rounds feature hollow- point bullets made from a proprietary bonding process and feature a notched jacket. Defender handgun rounds feature similar technologies as found in the Winchester Law Enforcement cartridge, a popular round among law enforcement officials across the United States.
Super Clean ® Super Clean handgun ammunition is lead-free (both air- borne and downrange) for anywhere high-volume shooting is taking place. The cartridges are made with a zinc-core, full metal jacket (ZFMJ) bullet with lead-free primers, ideal for indoor and outdoor ranges. Available calibers include a 9mm Luger 90-grain load and a 120-grain ZFMJ in .40 S&W. Winchester introduces in 2017 a .45 ACP 160-grain ZFMJ.
Win 1911 ® More than 105 years after its creation, the 1911 semi-auto handgun remains among one of the most popular gun designs ever. Combining sleek styling and aesthetics with the raw knockdown power of its original .45-caliber chambering, John Moses Browning’s invention is a must- have design for many handgunners. For these shooters, Winchester offers WIN 1911. Like W Train & Defend, it features ballistically matched training and defensive loads to carry the shooter from range to personal defense.
Hollow point with notched jacket
Zinc-core full metal jacket bullets
Ballistically matched training and defensive loads
Proprietary jacket design for consistent expansion
Lead-free primers
230-grain jacketed hollow point (JHP) nickel-plated defensive bullet
Available in 9mm, .40 S&W and now, .45 ACP
Bonded lead core aids in weight retention
230-grain flat-nosed full metal jacket training bullet
WINCHESTER
10
SHOOTING
Sporting clays, 5-stand, skeet, trap…with so many games and shooting scenarios, it’s no surprise that shotgun sports are among the most participated in types of recreational shooting. From practice to actual competition, Winchester offers one of the most heralded shotgun shell lines available in its AA line. See page 42 for the full line-up of Winchester shotshell loads along with detailed ballistics information.
THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS
AA ® Celebrating more than 50 years in production, AA plastic hull shotgun shells revolutionized what was then a primarily paper world when introduced in 1965. Reloadable and reusable, AA manufactured loads feature a high- strength hull, proven hard shot, best-in-class primers and powder and soft-shooting AA wads. The wad’s collapsible dual hinge actually aids in reducing felt recoil. Available in 12, 20 and 28 gauges and .410 bore.
Super-Target ® Looking for a shotshell at a super value that won’t cost you in the performance department? Super-Target is the choice for you with features that include a hinged wad for reduced recoil and increased velocity. Clean burning powders and primers won’t gum up shotgun actions with unnecessary residue, yet still deliver reliable ignition and consistent patterns with every squeeze of the trigger.
AA TrAAcker ™ The revolutionary AA TrAAcker changed the game for shooters seeking to improve their lead on flying targets. Key to AA TrAAcker is the unique wad technology that allows the wad to perfectly track with the shot so shooters have a visual cue of where they are missing. These loads are ballistically matched to their standard AA counterpart so the load you practice with will have the same lead and felt recoil as the load you compete with.
AA Steel ® Winchester now offers legendary AA target load performance in a steel shot version for sporting clays, skeet, trap and other shotgun shooting fun. In addition, it’s a great dove load. As a lead-free alternative, these loads break clays and bring down birds just like the lead loads you’re used to. AA Steel is engineered to send its steel shot payload flying at 1,450 fps at the muzzle for powerful, on-target performance.
Hinged wad for reduced recoil
High-strength plastic hull
Wads track with shot column for better visibility
Lead-free alternative
Clean burning powders and primers
Best-in-class powder and primers
Ballistically matched to comparable AA loads
Offers same performance as comparable AA loads
Consistent patterns, excellent value
Collapsible dual-hinge wad reduces felt recoil
SHOOTING 11
UNMATCHED DOWNRANGE PERFORMANCE
Whether you’re a rimfire shooter looking for the ultimate round for plinking or a competitive centerfire rifle marksman doping wind and calculating drop to make a 1,000-yard shot, Winchester has the ammunition tools you need for fun and success at the range. See page 34 for the full line-up of Winchester centerfire rilfle loads along with ballsitic information and page 48 for rimfire offerings.
Match Winchester Match ammunition is made for serious marks- men seeking the ultimate in Winchester technology. The sleek bullet profile with a large boattail and small hollow point combine to ensure long-range accuracy even in chal- lenging atmospheric conditions. This product is available in the most popular tack-driving calibers and bullet sizes: 69-grain .223 Rem., 77-grain 5.56mm, 140-grain 6.5 Creed- moor, 168-grain .308 Win. and 250-grain .338 Lapua.
M-22 Winchester M-22 ammunition was designed with today’s popular Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR) platform in mind. Black copper-plated lead round nose bullets aid in consistent feeding, which is critical for use with larger magazines. Non-corrosive priming mix and clean-burning powders reduce barrel fouling for lots of trigger time between cleanings. Even better, these .22 LR rounds come packaged in bulk packs of 1,000 rounds.
M-22 Subsonic ® M-22 Subsonic is designed specifically for semi-automatic firearms while remaining subsonic from both pistol and rifle length barrels. The .22 LR load features a 45-grain black- plated lead round nose bullet that has energy comparable to a full velocity 36-grain rimfire cartridge. Like standard M-22 ammunition, M-22 Subsonic utilizes non-corrosive priming and clean burning powder for reduced muzzle flash. It is ideal for use in both suppressed and unsuppressed firearms, achieving a remarkable 116db in the former.
Match-style bullet profile with boattail design
Black copper-plated lead round nose bullets
Designed for use in suppressed firearms
Proven design for extreme accuracy
Noncorrosive primers
45-grain black-plated lead round nose bullet
Made for long-range shooting
Clean-burning powders
Non-corrosive priming mix and clean-burning powders
WINCHESTER
DEER
12
HUNTING DEER IS SERIOUS BUSINESS TO MILLIONS OF SPORTSMEN. WINCHESTER HAS BEEN RIGHT THERE ALL ALONG, MAKING SURE WHEN THE MOMENT COMES TO PULL THE TRIGGER, THERE WILL BE NO QUESTION IF THE BULLET WILL DO ITS JOB.
E
very year thousands of hunters around North America scratch their heads over the big selection of deer ammunition on dealers’ shelves. Thousands more don’t even think about it. They continue using whatever’s cheapest, what they’ve always used or what some guy on TV said to use. Does it matter? You bet it matters. Ask any hunter who’s ever hit and lost a deer. Was it a bad shot or bad bullet? Often it is the wrong bullet. That’s why bullet makers attempt to build the perfect deer hunting bullet. There is no such thing, of course, but some come pretty darn close. A stumbling block is variable impact velocity. Terminal bullet performance changes with distance. A 150-grain bullet from a .300 Win. Mag. can move about as fast at 300 yards than the same bullet from a .308 Win. at 100
yards or a .30-30 at 10 yards. But at 400 yards that .300 Win. Mag. is going as slow as the .308 Win. at 200 yards. Which impact velocity do you target? Bullet makers have created bullets that handle most common impact speeds. You can find bullets with variable jacket tapers and thicknesses; nose notching; varied lead hardness; flat bases and boattail bases; sharp nose profiles and gently rounded profiles; and exposed lead tips, polymer tips and much more. Why choose one over another? Which bullet is best for your style of hunting? It can be a tricky decision, particularly when considering the optimal shots needed to rapidly take large game such as deer. In the case of lung shots (the preferred side view shot), lung tissue doesn’t offer much resistance to projectiles. For these shots, rapid expansion
13 DEER
ALLOYED LEAD CORE optimized for maximum energy transfer and impact power
TAPERED JACKET engineered for lethal penetration on deer
BIGGER TIP. BIGGER IMPACT.® The key to Deer Season XP’s effectiveness lies in the larger diameter tip. The larger tip expands more rapidly, transferring more energy into the deer and leaving a larger wound channel.
POLYMER TIP for flat trajectory and more energy retention
I PURSUED THIS OZARK MOUNTAIN MONARCH WE CALLED “HANDY” FOR 2 YEARS. I FINALLY GOT MY CHANCE, AND DEER SEASON XP WORKED PERFECTLY. THE BUCK MADE IT 10 YARDS. HE’S THE DEER OF MY LIFETIME.” – Dr. Grant Woods Whitetail Biologist, Host of GrowingDeerTV
is important for creating as wide a projectile as possible. This maximizes tissue destruction and hemorrhaging. Most deer hunters strive to take broadside lung shots, so a soft bullet that rapidly expands is ideal. For hunting in situations where longer shots might be common, say farther out than 200 yards, a bullet that flies with a higher B.C. (ballistic coefficient) such as one with a polymer tip and sleek nose profile becomes critical. On the flip side, back in great grandpa’s day, flat-nosed slugs were famous for smacking deer with a wide, flat tip. Veterans felt such bullets hit harder and dropped deer quicker than any sharply tipped bullet. They could afford to ignore those ballistically efficient, pointier bullets, because they were mostly shooting deer inside 150 yards. For many hunters today, that is still the case. At that range
Actual bullet recovered from “Handy”
you gain little advantage from a high B.C. bullet. That said, if you have to reach out farther, you want to have confidence your bullet will deliver. Winchester recently took a huge step forward in helping deer hunters choose the perfect whitetail load with the introduction of Deer Season XP. I’ve loved Deer Season XP since I first saw the name. What a perfect title for deer hunting ammunition!
WINCHESTER
14
DEER
DOMINANT FOR DEER
The bullet’s atop these loads are nigh perfect, too. Called Extreme Point, these projectiles combine the best hard-hitting, rapid mushrooming of the old flat-nose bullets with the ballistically efficient, sleek profile of modern, poly- mer-tip low-drag bullets like the Ballistic Silvertip. Back in great grandpa’s day, flat-nosed slugs were famous for smacking deer hard. Veterans felt such bullets hit harder and dropped deer quicker than any sharply tipped bullet. They could afford to ignore ballistically efficient, sharply pointed bullets because they were mostly shooting deer inside 150 yards. At that range you gain little advantage from a high B.C. bullet.
These days long-range shooting is much more common. And even where long shots are rare, it’s nice to know you have a bullet with the ability to handle it. Deer Season XP bullets fall between the PP and BST bullets in B.C. ratings. The 150-grain .308 XP registers a B.C. of .392, the PP .294 and the BST .435. What sets the XP apart is its extra large polymer tip. Sharply pointed, slightly elastic and tough, it resists tip deformation during recoil in the magazine to maintain its high B.C. But because the plastic body extends farther down the nose of the bullet than does the BST, its base rests on a much wider bed of lead core. According to Win- chester engineers, this accelerates expansion on impact, matching or exceeding that of Power-Point ammunition. Regardless of what style of hunting tends to dominate your season, choose your ammo accordingly and get ready. With Winchester deer loads, deer season is going to begin with a bang.
Deer Season XP
Conventional Polymer Tip
Conventional Soft Point
Super X Power-Point ® This classic design has been around longer than many of us, earning its stripes as one of the country’s great deer bullets. Winchester’s most-economical deer offering, these loads feature classic cup-and-core bullets with an exposed lead tip and flat base. They are built by filling a cup of gilding metal with lead, leaving a small tip of lead exposed and squeezing to the final bullet shape. Jacket material at the nose is notched slightly to assist rapid expansion on impact. Because Power-Point lead cores are fairly soft and their gilding metal jackets quite malleable, these bullets obdurate easily. This means they swell, shrink and conform to a
Deer Season XP VS. Conventional Round Nose
Velocity | Drop from Line-of-Sight | Remaining Energy | Wind Drift
100 YDS
300 YDS
400 YDS
Rifle Zeroed at 200 yds
2,676 | +1.7“ | 2385 | 1.2”
2,238 | -7.5” | 1668 | 8”
2,036 | -22” | 1381 | 14”
DEER SEASON XP B.C.* .392
variety of slightly different bore diameters (we’re talking .0001 of an inch), which aids accuracy.
Lead-tipped cup-and-core bullet
10 mph Crosswind
Notched jacket for rapid expansion
2,419 | +2.3” | 1949 | 2.2”
1,601 | -11” | 854 | 19”
1,291 | -36” | 555 | 37”
Conventional Round Nose B.C.* .186
Tried and proven accuracy
*Ballistic Coefficient
DEER 15
Winchester is synonymous with deer hunting, a pastime enjoyed by millions of Americans every year. You can bet wherever deer hunters gather, Winchester ammunition is there and has been for 150 years. Three of the Big Red W’s top deer loads include the proven Super X Power-Point, famed Ballistic Silvertip and the first truly dedicated deer load, Deer Season XP. See page 34 for the full lineup of Winchester deer loads and detailed ballistics information.
See page 46 for the full lineup of Winchester deer slugs and detailed ballistics information.
SLUG OFFERINGS
Dual Bond ® Built to deliver optimal
penetration on deer-sized game, Dual Bond’s rapidly expanding double-bonded hollow point is excellent on bear and hogs as well.
®
Ballistic Silvertip ® These are the ballistic champs in Winchester’s line. The sharp polymer tips, sleek nose profiles and boattails combine to minimize drag. Compare the 150-grain .30-06 Ballistic Silvertip with the 150-grain Power-Point, both zeroed at 200 yards. The Ballistic Silvertip drops 21.5 inches and drifts 13 inches at 400 yards. The Power-Point falls 25.5 inches and is deflected 21 inches. We begin to see an appreciable difference due to B.C. At 500 yards, this difference only grows. The Ballistic Silvertip might be your bullet for shooting beyond 200 yards.
Deer Season XP ® Winchester’s first ammunition ever developed specifically for deer hunting, Deer Season XP has quickly become a favorite among serious deer hunters. Featuring Extreme Point bullets, these projectiles combine the best hard-hitting, rapid mushrooming qualities of the old flat-nose bullets with the ballistically efficient, sleek profile of modern, polymer-tip, low-drag bullets like the Ballistic Silvertip (BST). The extra- large polymer tip resists tip deformation during recoil in the magazine to maintain a high B.C. But because the plastic body extends farther down the nose of the bullet than does the
Lead and inner bullet jacket are welded together for better retained weight.
XP3 ® The XP3 is Winchester’s fastest, flattest-shooting slug with a 1,900 fps muzzle velocity and 300-grain polymer-tipped slug.
Lead-free tin core bullet offers weight-forward in-flight stability.
BST, its base rests on a much wider bed of lead core. This accelerates expansion on impact.
Polymer tip to initiate rapid expansion on impact
Sleek jacket profile and boattail bullet design for minimized drag
Larger impact area for massive energy transfer
Partition Gold ® Extreme terminal performance is
Lubalox (black oxide) coating for reduced barrel fouling
Sleek profile bullet for better aerodynamics
what you get with Partition Gold’s one-piece, four-petal sabot that ensures incredible accuracy and optimal down-range energy.
Hollow point design ensures dramatic bullet expansion upon impact.
WINCHESTER
WATERFOWL
16
JUST LIKE YOUR WATERFOWLING STRATEGY, WINCHESTER
SHOTSHELLS ARE EVOLVING TO KEEP YOU IN THE HUNT— ANY TIME, ANY PLACE, ANY CONDITIONS.
Y
our hands always get cold despite warm gloves—too much time sitting still, waiting and anticipating. You’ve been sitting a while now, quietly but eagerly boring holes in the cloud cover overhead with your eyes, hoping to see the birds you know must be up there. By the time your focus is interrupted by the jet engine sound of the birds’ wings ripping through the cold air behind your head, you know it’s going to happen fast, or not at all. They’ve snuck up on you again. To succeed, you know everything up to this point has to come together. You know your gun and your shotshells and how they pattern with your choke. And you know you can hit a fast-flying target if they’ll just work
the wind and the decoy spread right, giving you a chance the way you’ve imagined they would. You and your gear are prepped, checked, tested and double-checked. You’ve failed. You’ve learned. You’re experienced. You’ve evolved over time to be a better hunter than you were in past seasons, and the moment is no longer too big for you. Hardcore waterfowlers and waterfowling gear are constantly evolving. Waders, outerwear, ATVs, decoys and even the design of the duck call hanging around a hunter’s neck are constantly changing and improving through in- novation. This pursuit of better strategies, techniques and gear is driven by the innovative companies answering the call of passionate waterfowlers who know what they need
DIAMOND CUT WAD This special wad contains three rear-deploying petals that stabilize the shot cup in flight for tighter patterns.
STACKED HEX SHOT Cubed (hex) shot is stacked like bricks in an unsplit shot cup that holds patterns together. The shot cloud hits waterfowl like a swarm of fast-moving tumbling bricks, minimizing over penetration and maximizing energy transfer.
17 WATERFOWL
I LIKE TO SHOOT WHAT WORKS, WITH THE BEST COMBINATION OF PRICE AND PERFORMANCE. FOR ME THAT’S WINCHESTER SUPER STEEL DRYLOK OR WINCHESTER BLIND SIDE .” — Jim Ronquest Co-Host and Producer, RNT-V
Drylok Super Steel System Waterfowling takes place in the toughest elements and the Drylok Super Steel System keeps moisture away from your shot charge for dependable ignition with every squeeze of the trigger.
and who aren’t afraid to demand that innovation—even perfection—in the gear they use. Most any hunter knows shotgun technology has evolved over the decades in terms of ergonomics and function. Heck, shotguns generally look a lot different than they did even a decade ago. But what may be less obvious to the less experienced or observant is just how much shotshell technology, driven by Win- chester, has improved terminal performance on waterfowl in just the past few years. “There are several schools of thought when it comes to waterfowl loads. Some look to the bargains, others to the most expensive. I like to shoot what works, with the best combination of price and performance. For me that’s
Winchester Super Steel Drylok or Winchester Blind Side. They shoot when they are supposed to, pattern well and won’t break the bank. You can spend less or spend more, but you’ll likely not get the same, high-level of performance as you’ll get out of a box of Winchester waterfowl loads,” says Jim Ronquest, co- host and producer of RNT-V for Rich-N-Tone calls. Winchester technology is built right into each shotshell— custom-designed for experienced waterfowl hunters who know that consistent, effective performance from their shells matter as much or more than any other part of their kit. In fact, the introduction of Blind Side ammunition in 2011 was a revolutionary development in steel shot loads. Blind Side combines ground-breaking, stacked Hex Shot and the
WINCHESTER
18
WATERFOWL
Diamond Cut Wad in what may well be the most deadly waterfowl load available. How does it work? The Hex Shot, pellets shaped like dice (hexahedronal, thus the name) are stacked in a single, unsplit shot cup eliminating the space common to rounded shot and allowing for up to 15 percent more pellets in every shell. The shot cup holds the shot together as it exits the muzzle for tighter patterns, sending the Hex Shot tumbling forward, smashing into its target like bricks. Hex shot means more cutting edges and a more devastating transfer of energy upon impact improving the overall lethality of the shot.
The Diamond Cut Wad is made with three rear- deploying petals that act like an air break upon exiting the muzzle, allowing the cup and shot to cleanly separate so it doesn’t negatively impact the pattern. The special wad works well in multiple choke tubes. Blind Side’s hinged over-powder cup design also reduces felt recoil. The DryLok Super Steel System is incorporated in the hinged cup and eliminates the chance of any moisture seeping into the powder charge for reliable ignition and velocities. From tried-and-true loads like Winchester Super X, to the state-of-the-art Blind Side, Winchester has crafted an effective load for every waterfowler in every field, river or marsh. That’s evolution that every waterfowler can appreciate.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WATERFOWL PATTERN
Match your choke to your scenario Different waterfowl and hunting scenarios demand different choke and shot combinations. Hunting woodies in their favorite swamp hole where shots are tight will require a much different mix than shooting spooky snow geese in an open corn field.
IDEAL RANGE
SHOT SIZE
SPECIES
CHOKE
GAUGE
THE HEX SHOT EDGE
Blind Side ammunition combines ground-breaking, stacked HEX Shot technology and the Diamond Cut Wad in the most deadly Winchester water- fowl load available.
15-40 yds
4, 5, 6
IC/Mod
12, 20
DUCK (SMALL)
10-40 yds BB,1, 2, 3 Mod/Imp. Mod 10,12, 20
DUCK (LARGE)
10-45 yds T, BBB, BB Mod/Imp. Mod 10,12, 20
GOOSE
The Blind Side Kill Zone Blind Side’s combination of stacked HEX Shot inside a single unsplit shot cup and the rear- deploying petal design of the Diamond Cut Wad allow patterns to fly tighter, farther and truer than standard, rounded steel shot loads.
STANDARD STEEL PATTERN AT 40 YDS
BLIND SIDE PATTERN AT 40 YDS
3
2
1
The shot hits water- fowl like a swarm of high-velocity tumbling bricks—maximizing energy deposit.
The Diamond Cut Wad contains three rear deploying petals that stabilize the shot cup for truer flight.
HEX Shot is contained in a single, unsplit shot cup that holds patterns
together longer for deadlier patterns.
WATERFOWL 19
DEVASTATING ON DUCKS & GEESE
The Winchester brand has been an industry leader in innovative and high-quality shotshell ammunition for more than 150 years. Offering a shotshell for every waterfowler in every situation, there’s a perfect Winchester option to meet your demand for performance, reliability and affordability. See page 42 for the full line-up of Winchester waterfowl loads along with detailed ballistics information.
Blind Side ® Winchester Blind Side High Velocity steel shotgun ammunition is one of the most innovative shotshell loads in waterfowling history. Blind Side combines ground- breaking, stacked HEX Shot technology and the innovative Diamond Cut Wad in the deadliest Winchester waterfowl load available. Stacked full with 100 percent HEX Shot, you get more trauma-inducing pellets on target, a larger kill zone and deadly efficiency downrange.
Drylok Super Steel ® Winchester Drylok Super Steel shotshells give you water- resistant, high-velocity, knockdown performance for any kind of foul weather hunting situation a waterfowler might encounter. Winchester Drylok Super Steel shotshells get the job done right with two-piece, double-seal wads and a high- volume, barrel-protecting shot cup that delivers a powerful load of rust-resistant, plated-steel shot to your target.
Super X ® Xpert ® HV Winchester has reengineered the way steel loads are built to deliver consistent performance for value-conscious hunters. Winchester Xpert HV shotshells offer a true breakthrough in high-performance, value-priced, steel loads built to meet the increasing demand for lower-cost, nontoxic loads for waterfowl shooting. A new proprietary shot manufacturing process and a specially designed shot cup deliver optimum performance at an affordable price.
Stacked Hex steel shot provides up to 15 percent more payload
Drylok Super Steel Wad keeps powder dry for consistent velocities
Proven quality, value priced
Diamond Cut Wad cleanly separates from shot upon exiting the muzzle
Hard-hitting plated steel shot
High velocity loads for hard-hitting performance
Lacquered primer aids water resistance and reliability
Available in 12 and 20 gauge offerings
Drylok Super Steel System keeps powder dry in the worst of conditions
WINCHESTER
BIG GAME
20
WHETHER YOU’RE PURSUING ELK IN THE AMERICAN ROCKIES OR DANGEROUS GAME ON THE PLAINS OF AFRICA, ALL THE PLANNING AND EXPENSE OFTEN COMES DOWN TO A SINGLE SHOT. WINCHESTER BIG GAME LOADS ARE MADE TO MAKE THAT SHOT COUNT.
W
hile white-tailed deer hunting may still be the king of big game hunting across this country with more people pursuing them than any other animal in North America;
time, expense and the need for physical conditioning. As part of preparation for the hunt, a sportsman often purchases or makes sure he has the best firearm he can afford along with a top optic. All cost hundreds if not thou- sands to buy. They make sure they have the best clothes and boots to keep them concealed and protected from the elements. Again, more hundreds of dollars are spent. Other gear such as binoculars, rangefinders, shooting sticks or bipods and more are not only essential gear on such a trip, but again, just edge the cost of such a trip higher. So why is it some sportsmen still go with the cheapest priced ammunition on the shelf? All ammo is not created
going after elk, moose, sheep or mule deer in the American West or Cape buffalo or other dangerous game in Africa remains the epitome of big-game hunting adventure. But this adventure doesn’t come easy or cheap. For many, booking a guided hunt for the chance to seek a trophy in one of our nation’s best game units, is often the culmination of years of planning and saving money. Even preparation for a self-guided hunt is not without planning
21 BIG GAME
JACKET TECHNOLOGY Sleek, tapered jacket is designed for maximum expansion at a variety of ranges.
POLYMER TIP Enhances long-range performance and bullet flight, resists deformation and initiates rapid expansion upon impact.
BONDED LEAD ALLOY CORE Core and jacket are welded together for maximum retained weight and deeper penetration.
equal and if the culmination of your hunt comes down to making sure your shot flies accurately and anchors game upon impact, it stands to reason that you probably want the best ammunition money can buy. Fortunately, Winchester has created ammunition that not only offers best-in-class performance, but is also priced right and packaged to make selecting the right load easy. Winchester has always been about making informed decisions easier for the discerning sportsmen who use their products. On the big game front, this corporate phi- losophy took a big step forward in 2016 with the introduc- tion of Expedition Big Game ammunition. The line features
proven Accubond® CT® bullets, one of the most accurate and devastating bullets for animals with tough hide and thick bone. Each bullet combines a polymer tip, bonded lead alloy core and Lubalox® coating to deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration for serious knockdown assurance regardless of whether game is at close dis- tance or long range. The Lubalox coating helps reduce barrel fouling and aids in smoother travel down barrels for increased velocity with every shot.
Accubond LR bullets represent an advanced technology projectile that provides hunters with the best in-flight, terminal performance.
WINCHESTER
BIG GAME 22
Similar to Deer Season XP, Winchester takes the guess work out of determining the best bullet size for your cal- iber by simply combining the optimal weight for the most popular big game calibers used in both North America and Africa. Find the caliber ammunition for your rifle and you can go afield with the confidence that all of Winchester’s engineers have chosen the perfect sized bullet to deliver devastating performance on the game you are after.
Expedition Big Game joins the hard-hitting Power Max Bonded® line of ammunition to provide big game hunters the world over the most reliable options to seal the deal on what may well be a once in a lifetime hunt.
Practice Like You Hunt
WHEN LOOKING THROUGH THE SCOPE
O
kay, you sighted your scope in and know out to 100 yards you can center
punch anything made of paper or hide…at least from a sturdy bench shooting over level ground and at the pre-measured 100 yards. But can you make that shot after rapidly marching up a hill, using a bipod or backpack to steady your aim, ranging your target and gently squeezing the trigger, all before the game slips out of sight? This is where hunting skills and marksmanship meet and the only way to be sure you are up to meeting the moment of truth is to test it. Go to a range or rural property and set targets at various distances. Walk fast to where you will shoot from, wearing everything you will wear on your hunt. You want your heart rate and breathing to better match what you will experience after exerting yourself and being hyped up from the sight of game. Set a time limit from the moment you begin to aim and range your target to when you will shoot and see how accurately you get on target. If possible, practice shooting down or up slopes (provided you have a safe backstop.) Practice until you are capable of reliably making your shots on target every time.
AT THE TROPHY I’VE BEEN HUNTING, I KNOW MY HARD WORK AND PREPARATION ARE ABOUT TO PAY OFF; WITH WINCHESTER EXPEDITION BIG GAME AMMUNITION, I CAN SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER
WITH 100 PERCENT CONFIDENCE THAT IT IS ABOUT TO ALL PAY OFF.” — Melissa Bachman Host, Winchester Deadly Passion
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