For dedicated waterfowl hunters who demand uncompromising performance in the most challenging and unforgiving environments, selecting the right ammunition isn't just a choice—it's a critical component of success.

When facing bone-chilling winds, driving rain, and the murky waters of a marsh or coastal hunt, traditional ammunition can falter. This is where specialized loads like the Winchester Ammunition SSH1232 Drylock Super Steel High Velocity 12 Gauge 3" 1 1/4 oz 2 Shot prove their worth, delivering consistent reliability and devastating power precisely when it matters most.

What is the best ammunition for waterfowl hunting in extreme wet conditions?

Hunters frequently ask how to maintain peak performance when their gear is constantly exposed to moisture. The answer often lies in ammunition specifically engineered to repel water and deliver consistent ballistics regardless of external conditions. The Winchester Drylock Super Steel series, particularly the SSH1232, is designed to address this very challenge. Its innovative Drylock Super Steel system acts as an impenetrable barrier, preventing moisture from reaching the powder and primer, which are the heart of any shotshell's reliability. This proprietary technology ensures that every single shell fires with the same consistency and power, hunt after hunt, no matter how soaked your gear becomes. Imagine being deep in the marsh, ducks decoying perfectly, and knowing that your ammunition is impervious to the elements, guaranteeing a flawless shot cycle. That confidence is what Winchester Drylock provides.

Why choose Winchester Drylock Super Steel for your next hunting trip?

• Unrivaled Water Resistance: The patented Drylock system, featuring a unique double-seal wad and lacquered primer, completely seals out moisture. This is crucial for hunters operating in the wettest conditions, from flooded timber to coastal blinds, ensuring ignition and consistent performance every time. This revolutionary design addresses a core concern for waterfowl enthusiasts: the devastating effect of moisture on conventional shotshells.
• High Velocity for Superior Performance: Operating at high velocities, this 12-gauge 3-inch shell propels its 1 1/4 ounce payload of #2 steel shot with remarkable speed. This translates directly to increased downrange energy, flatter trajectories, and reduced lead necessary on fast-moving targets. High velocity means less time for the target to react or move out of the pattern, leading to cleaner, more ethical kills, even at extended ranges.
• Optimized Steel Shot Payload: The #2 steel shot size is a versatile and highly effective choice for a wide range of waterfowl, including most ducks and even medium-sized geese. Steel shot is a legal requirement in many hunting areas due to its non-toxic nature, and Winchester's Super Steel is engineered for uniform hardness and roundness. This results in tighter, more consistent patterns, maximizing the number of pellets on target and increasing your chances of a successful harvest.
• Reliable Ignition and Consistent Patterns: Beyond the Drylock system, Winchester ammunition is renowned for its consistent manufacturing quality. This means reliable primer ignition in cold, wet conditions, consistent powder charges for predictable velocity, and wads that ensure optimal shot patterns. Every element works in harmony to deliver the performance you expect shot after shot.
• Designed for Ethical Hunting: By providing superior velocity, consistent patterns, and reliable ignition, Winchester Drylock Super Steel empowers hunters to make clean, humane kills. Minimizing cripples is a paramount ethical responsibility for any hunter, and choosing ammunition that maximizes effectiveness is a key part of fulfilling that duty.

What makes Winchester's Super Steel shot different?

Winchester's commitment to quality extends to the very composition of its shot. Their "Super Steel" formulation refers to steel shot that has been manufactured to specific standards of hardness and sphericity. Unlike some lesser-quality steel shot, Winchester's Super Steel maintains its shape better during ignition and flight, leading to more uniform patterns and better penetration upon impact. This attention to detail in the shot itself is a critical factor in achieving the tight patterns and effective energy transfer that serious waterfowl hunters demand, ensuring that your shot string delivers maximum impact where it counts.

Solving Common Hunter Challenges with SSH1232

• Problem: Misfires or squibs in wet conditions.
  • Solution: The Drylock system completely seals the primer and powder, eliminating moisture-related ignition failures.
• Problem: Inconsistent patterns and poor energy transfer at range with standard steel loads.
  • Solution: High velocity combined with uniform Super Steel shot and optimized wad design ensures tight patterns and sufficient energy for clean kills even on longer shots.
• Problem: Needing versatile ammunition for various waterfowl species.
  • Solution: The 1 1/4 oz payload of #2 steel shot is an excellent all-around choice for everything from mallards to Canada geese.
• Problem: Complying with non-toxic shot regulations in specific hunting zones.
  • Solution: As steel shot, the SSH1232 is fully compliant with regulations requiring non-toxic ammunition in waterfowl hunting areas across the globe.

Technical Specifications and Real-World Application

The Winchester SSH1232 Drylock Super Steel High Velocity 12 Gauge shell is a robust piece of engineering designed for peak performance. Its 3-inch shell length ensures ample powder capacity for high velocities, delivering approximately 1400-1450 feet per second (FPS) with its 1 1/4 ounce payload of #2 steel shot. This combination of speed and payload is formidable for waterfowl.

Consider a scenario: you're set up in a duck blind on a frigid, drizzly morning. Ducks are working the decoys, but they're flying high and fast, pushed by a strong tailwind. Your hands are numb, and your shotgun is slick with moisture. With Winchester Drylock Super Steel, you pull the trigger with confidence, knowing that the specialized sealing system will ensure ignition, and the high-velocity #2 steel shot will reach its target effectively, ensuring a clean harvest. This isn't just about ammunition; it's about reliability in the face of adversity and maximizing your potential in the field.

Optimizing Your Hunting Experience

• Choke Selection: For optimal patterns with steel shot, generally a modified or improved cylinder choke is recommended. Avoid full or extra-full chokes with steel, as this can deform the shot or damage your barrel. Experimentation at the range with various chokes will help you find the perfect pattern for your shotgun.
• Storage: While Drylock is designed to resist moisture, proper storage in a cool, dry place is always recommended for any ammunition to maintain its integrity over the long term. Keeping your shells in their original packaging until needed helps protect them from environmental contaminants and physical damage.
• Environmental Responsibility: Choosing steel shot like Winchester Drylock Super Steel is a responsible decision for environmental stewardship. Steel is non-toxic, reducing the potential impact on wetlands and the wildlife that inhabits them. Hunters who prioritize conservation understand the importance of using lead-free alternatives.

Whether you are a seasoned waterfowler or an avid hunter exploring new challenges, the Winchester Ammunition SSH1232 Drylock Super Steel High Velocity 12 Gauge 3" 1 1/4 oz 2 Shot offers a definitive advantage. Its blend of cutting-edge technology, reliable performance, and ethical design makes it a top-tier choice for those who demand the very best from their gear when pursuing ducks and geese. Available through trusted retailers like DEGuns, this ammunition is ready to elevate your hunting experience.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shell Length	3 Inches
Shot Type	Super Steel
Shot Size	2 Shot
Shot Weight	1 1/4 oz
Velocity	High Velocity (Approx. 1400-1450 FPS)
Box Count	25 Shells per Box
Case Count	10 Boxes per Case
UPC	020892011892
Technology	Drylock System for superior water resistance
Application	Waterfowl Hunting (Ducks, Geese) in challenging and wet conditions, non-toxic use