The Ultimate Guide to Remington Express XLR 20 Gauge Ammunition for Upland Hunting

For hunters seeking an exceptional balance of power, precision, and performance in a lighter, more manageable package, the Remington Express XLR 20 Gauge ammunition stands out as a premier choice. This isn't just another shotgun shell; it's a meticulously engineered load designed to give upland bird and small game hunters a distinct advantage in the field. If you're wondering which ammunition offers the best combination of range, pattern density, and ethical knockdown power for species like pheasant, quail, rabbit, or squirrel, look no further. This comprehensive guide will explore why the Remington Express XLR 20 Gauge is consistently trusted by seasoned hunters and an excellent starting point for those new to the sport.

Why Choose the 20 Gauge for Hunting?

The 20 gauge shotgun has long been celebrated for its versatility and user-friendliness, striking a perfect balance between the formidable power of a 12 gauge and the lighter recoil of smaller gauges. For many hunters, especially those who prefer a quicker swing, lighter firearm, or simply desire less felt recoil, the 20 gauge is the ideal companion. It’s particularly popular among youth hunters, women, and those who may find repeated shots with a 12 gauge fatiguing. However, its capabilities extend far beyond comfort; a well-chosen 20 gauge load, like the Remington Express XLR, can be incredibly effective for a wide array of game.

Common questions often arise: "Is a 20 gauge powerful enough for pheasant?" or "Can I hunt squirrels with a 20 gauge?" The answer is a resounding yes, provided you select the right ammunition. The Remington Express XLR, with its specific configuration, addresses these concerns by delivering reliable patterns and energy transfer essential for clean, ethical harvests. It demonstrates that the 20 gauge, when properly loaded, is a serious hunting tool, not merely a training firearm.

Unpacking the Excellence of Remington Express XLR

The Remington Express XLR (Extra Long Range) line is built on a legacy of trust and performance, delivering consistent results that hunters have relied upon for decades. This particular load, with its 20 gauge, 2.75-inch shell length, 1 ounce of #6 shot, and a muzzle velocity of 1220 feet per second (fps), is specifically engineered for peak performance in upland environments.

The "Extra Long Range" Advantage

What does "Extra Long Range" mean for a shotgun shell? In the context of upland hunting, it signifies ammunition capable of maintaining dense, effective patterns at greater distances than standard field loads. This is crucial when birds flush unexpectedly far out, or when quick follow-up shots are needed at extended ranges. The design of the Express XLR focuses on:

• Optimized Wad Systems: Remington utilizes advanced wad designs that protect the shot pellets from deformation during their journey down the barrel and ensure a tight, uniform shot string upon exit. This preservation of pellet roundness is key to tighter patterns downrange.
• High-Quality Components: From the primer to the powder and the shot itself, every component is selected for consistency and reliability. This meticulous attention to detail contributes to the uniform ballistics necessary for "extra long range" performance, allowing hunters to confidently take shots that might be marginal with lesser ammunition.

Best-Balanced, Tightest-Patterning Upland Field Load

This isn't just marketing jargon; it's a claim backed by the design principles of the Express XLR.

• Balance: A well-balanced load means predictable recoil and consistent shot placement. The precise combination of powder charge, shot weight, and wad design in the Express XLR minimizes erratic movement and promotes a smooth shooting experience, allowing hunters to stay on target for follow-up shots.
• Tight Patterns: For upland hunting, a tight, consistent pattern is paramount. It ensures that a sufficient number of pellets hit the target area to achieve a clean kill. The #6 shot size, coupled with the optimized components of the Express XLR, creates dense patterns that provide excellent coverage for game like pheasant and quail. This means fewer missed shots and more humane harvests, directly addressing the common hunter's need for reliable pattern density.

Specifics of the Remington Express XLR 20 Gauge (UPC 047700016504)

Let's break down the key specifications of this particular load and what they mean for your hunting success:

• Gauge: 20 Gauge: As discussed, this gauge offers a fantastic blend of reduced recoil and sufficient power for medium-sized game. It’s an excellent choice for a variety of hunting scenarios, from open fields to brushy cover.
• Shell Length: 2.75 inches: This is the standard length for 20 gauge shells, ensuring compatibility with virtually all 20 gauge shotguns, including pumps, semi-automatics, and break actions.
• Shot Weight: 1 ounce: One ounce of shot provides a substantial payload, delivering a high pellet count to ensure effective pattern coverage. This weight is optimized for the 20 gauge to maximize energy transfer while maintaining manageable recoil.
• Shot Size: #6 Lead: This is arguably the most versatile shot size for upland bird and small game hunting.
  • Pheasant and Grouse: #6 shot provides enough energy and pellet count to humanely take down these larger upland birds.
  • Quail and Chukar: While slightly heavier than some might use, the tight patterns of the Express XLR ensure multiple hits, making it highly effective without excessive damage.
  • Rabbits and Squirrels: For these tougher small game animals, #6 shot offers excellent penetration and knockdown power.
  • Lead Shot: Historically proven, lead shot offers excellent density for consistent energy transfer and pattern density. Hunters must always ensure compliance with local regulations regarding lead shot use, especially in certain waterfowl or public land areas.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1220 fps (feet per second): This velocity provides a flat trajectory and sufficient energy to reach out to the "extra long range" capabilities of the Express XLR. It strikes a balance, offering good speed without generating excessive recoil that might disrupt follow-up shots.
• Application: Hunting: Specifically designed and optimized for field performance, whether you're walking vast fields for pheasants or sneaking through woods for squirrels.
• Game Type: Upland: This broadly covers a range of birds (pheasant, quail, grouse, chukar, partridge) and small mammals (rabbits, squirrels). The versatility of this load makes it an excellent all-around option for diverse upland pursuits.
• Packaging: Available in boxes of 25 rounds, typically sold in cases containing 10 boxes (250 rounds), making it convenient for stocking up for the season or for hunting trips.

Real-World Use Cases and Hunter Benefits

This Remington Express XLR 20 Gauge ammunition (UPC 047700016504, MPN 20337) is ideally suited for a variety of scenarios and hunters:

• The Pheasant Hunter: When that magnificent rooster flushes at 35-40 yards, you need ammunition that can reach out and deliver. The Express XLR’s tight patterns and #6 shot ensure that enough pellets connect to bring down even the toughest pheasant.
• The Quail Enthusiast: While #6 might seem large for quail, the controlled patterns of the Express XLR prevent excessive pellet spread at closer ranges, while still providing ample knockdown power for those fast-flying birds.
• Small Game Hunters: For rabbits bolting through brush or squirrels darting up trees, the 1 ounce of #6 shot provides reliable penetration and energy.
• Hunters Seeking Less Recoil: If you find a 12 gauge too jarring for a full day of hunting, the 20 gauge Express XLR offers a much more comfortable shooting experience without compromising on terminal performance. This translates to less fatigue and more enjoyable hunting trips.
• Newer Hunters: The reduced recoil and effective performance make this an excellent choice for those learning to shoot and hunt, building confidence and fostering good shooting habits.
• Anyone Who Demands Consistency: Hunters know that consistency is key. The "premium performance decades of shooters have come to know and trust" is a testament to Remington's commitment to producing ammunition that performs the same, box after box, season after season. This reliability is a major trust-building factor for any serious hunter.

Optimizing Your Hunt with Remington Express XLR

To truly maximize the effectiveness of the Remington Express XLR 20 Gauge (UPC 047700016504), consider these tips:

• Pattern Your Shotgun: Before heading afield, always pattern your shotgun with your chosen ammunition. This involves shooting at a large paper target at various distances (e.g., 20, 30, 40 yards) to see how your specific shotgun and choke combination distributes the #6 shot. This will show you exactly what your effective range is and where your gun shoots.
• Choke Selection: For upland hunting with #6 shot, common choke choices include Improved Cylinder (IC) for closer shots and denser cover, Modified (Mod) for general-purpose hunting, or even Full for longer shots in open fields, especially for pheasants. Experiment with patterning to find the optimal choke for your hunting style and conditions.
• Ethical Hunting Practices: The superior performance of the Express XLR contributes to ethical hunting by providing the means for clean, quick kills. Always strive for responsible shot placement and understand the limitations of your ammunition and your own shooting ability.
• Ammunition Storage: Store your Remington Express XLR ammunition in a cool, dry place to maintain its integrity and performance over time. Proper storage ensures that every round performs as designed when you need it most.

Where to Find Your Remington Express XLR Ammunition

When you're ready to equip yourself with this high-performance ammunition, the Remington Express XLR 20 Gauge 2.75" 1 oz #6 Shot (UPC 047700016504) is readily available from reputable firearms and ammunition retailers. For a wide selection of ammunition and hunting supplies, including this trusted Remington load, visit DEGuns or explore their comprehensive online catalog at deguns.com. They provide access to the gear you need to make your next upland hunting adventure a success.

In summary, the Remington Express XLR 20 Gauge ammunition is more than just shells; it's a meticulously crafted tool for the serious upland hunter. Its "extra long range" capability, combined with its reputation as a "best-balanced, tightest-patterning upland field load," makes it an indispensable asset. Whether you’re chasing pheasants in wide-open fields, flushing quail from dense cover, or stalking rabbits and squirrels, this ammunition provides the consistent performance and confidence required for successful and ethical hunting.

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Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Remington Ammunition
Model	Express XLR
Gauge	20 Gauge
Length	2.75"
Ounces	1 oz
Shot Size	6
Shot Material	Lead
Muzzle Velocity	1220 fps
Game Type	Upland
Application	Hunting
Rounds Per Box	25
Boxes Per Case	10
UPC	047700016504
MPN	20337
SKU	117056