Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum High Brass 20 Gauge 3" 1 1/4 oz 5 Shot: The Ultimate Upland Ammunition for Discerning Hunters

For avid upland bird hunters who demand peak performance from their ammunition, the Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum High Brass 20 Gauge shotgun shell stands as a premier choice. Engineered specifically for the challenging pursuit of pheasants and other robust upland game, this ammunition (UPC: 020892016682) is designed to solve the critical hunter's dilemma: achieving consistently tight patterns, deep penetration, and reliable knockdown power. Whether you're navigating dense cover or engaging birds at the edge of your effective range, Winchester's Super Pheasant Magnum ensures that your 20 gauge shotgun delivers the devastating impact needed for clean, ethical harvests.

This isn't just another shotgun shell; it's a testament to Winchester's legacy of innovation in ammunition. Hunters often ask, "What is the best 20 gauge ammunition for pheasant hunting?" or "How can I improve my shot patterns for upland birds?" The answer, for many seasoned sportsmen, lies in the carefully crafted features of the Super Pheasant Magnum. It’s an ideal solution for those who appreciate the lighter recoil and quicker handling of a 20 gauge but refuse to compromise on terminal performance.

Why Choose Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum for Your Next Hunt?

The superiority of the Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum (SKU: X203PH5) is rooted in its meticulously chosen components and advanced design. Every element, from the copper-plated lead shot to the specially engineered wad, is calibrated to work in harmony, providing an unparalleled hunting experience.

• Copper-Plated Lead Shot for Superior Performance: One of the hallmark features of this ammunition is its copper-plated lead shot. Unlike traditional lead shot, the copper plating significantly enhances the shot's spherical integrity, reducing deformation upon ignition and during its flight down the barrel. This translates directly into vastly improved pattern density downrange. When you’re aiming for a fast-flying pheasant, a tighter, more uniform pattern increases the probability of hitting vital areas, ensuring a quick and humane kill. Hunters seeking to minimize crippled birds and maximize their harvest success rate will find this feature invaluable. The plating also provides a slight increase in penetration, as the harder shot retains more energy upon impact.
• Specially Engineered Wads for Unmatched Pattern Density: Complementing the copper-plated shot are Winchester's innovative wads. These aren't just generic plastic cups; they are precisely designed to protect the shot column as it travels through the shotgun's bore, preventing pellet deformation and ensuring a consistent launch. Upon exiting the muzzle, these wads peel away cleanly and predictably, allowing the shot charge to fly true and maintain its tight cluster over longer distances. This specialized wad technology is a cornerstone of the Super Pheasant Magnum's reputation for delivering superior pattern density, a critical factor for successful upland hunting where every pellet counts.
• High Velocity for Flat Trajectories and Potent Strikes: With a formidable muzzle velocity of 1250 feet per second (fps), the Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum ensures that your shot reaches its target quickly and with significant energy. This high velocity minimizes the amount of lead required on a flushing bird, making tough shots more achievable. The increased speed also contributes to deeper penetration, delivering a powerful strike that effectively anchors birds. For hunters asking, "How does ammunition velocity affect pheasant hunting?" the answer is clear: higher velocity means less time for the bird to react, a flatter trajectory, and more decisive energy transfer on impact.
• High Brass Construction for Reliability and Power: The "high brass" designation on these shells signifies a taller brass head, which contributes to the structural integrity of the shell. This robust construction helps the shell withstand the pressures of powerful loads, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction from your shotgun. It's a hallmark of premium, high-performance ammunition designed for serious hunting applications. This feature is particularly important for magnum loads, where the forces generated upon firing are substantial.
• Optimized Payload: 1 1/4 oz of #5 Shot in 3" 20 Gauge: The combination of a 3-inch shell length and a heavy 1 1/4 ounce payload of #5 shot is specifically tailored for pheasants.
  • Shot Size #5: Why #5 shot for pheasants? This size offers an ideal balance between pellet count and individual pellet energy. It provides enough pellets for a dense pattern while each pellet carries sufficient energy to penetrate the thick feathers and robust bodies of pheasants, delivering clean kills. It's widely considered the gold standard for this type of game.
  • 1 1/4 oz Payload: This is a substantial payload for a 20 gauge, approaching traditional 12 gauge loads in terms of shot weight. It means more pellets in the air, increasing your chances of a successful hit.
  • 3-inch Shell: While 20 gauge shotguns typically handle 2 3/4-inch shells, the 3-inch chamber allows for this heavier payload, maximizing the ballistic potential of the 20 gauge platform. This configuration provides hunters with 12 gauge-like performance in a lighter, more maneuverable shotgun.

Practical Applications and Hunter Scenarios

The Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum is built for the realities of upland hunting. Consider these common scenarios where this ammunition excels:

• Field Hunting in Open Terrain: When pheasants burst from cover in open fields, the high velocity and tight patterns of the Super Pheasant Magnum allow for quick target acquisition and effective engagement at varying distances, from close flushes to longer crossing shots.
• Hunting with Bird Dogs: For hunters working with pointing or flushing dogs, this ammunition ensures that when a bird is put up, you have the decisive power to make the shot count. The reliability of the Winchester shells means less fumbling and more focus on the shot itself.
• The Ethical Hunter's Choice: Achieving clean, one-shot kills is paramount for ethical hunting. The combination of dense patterns, high velocity, and deep penetration offered by this ammunition greatly increases the likelihood of a humane harvest, minimizing the chance of crippling birds.
• Converting from 12 Gauge: Many hunters are migrating to the 20 gauge for its lighter weight and reduced recoil. The Super Pheasant Magnum provides the confidence that you're not sacrificing stopping power when making this transition. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of a lighter firearm without compromising on the effectiveness needed for tough game birds.

Understanding the 20 Gauge Advantage

The 20 gauge shotgun has seen a significant resurgence in popularity, especially among upland hunters. Its advantages are numerous: lighter weight, reduced recoil compared to the 12 gauge, and quicker swing characteristics. However, some hunters worry about its stopping power on larger birds like pheasants. The Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum directly addresses this concern. By maximizing the 20 gauge's potential with a heavy 3-inch load of copper-plated #5 shot at high velocity, it transforms the capable 20 gauge into a true pheasant-dropping machine. It allows for a more comfortable day in the field, especially for hunters covering many miles, while still delivering the necessary punch.

Maximizing Your Success in the Field

To get the most out of your Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum ammunition, consider these tips:

• Pattern Your Shotgun: Before hitting the field, always pattern your specific shotgun with this ammunition. This will show you exactly how your gun, choke combination, and the Super Pheasant Magnum shells perform, revealing your effective range and pattern density.
• Choke Selection: For pheasants, a Modified or Improved Modified choke is often ideal, striking a balance between pattern spread and density. The tight patterns delivered by the Super Pheasant Magnum might even allow you to drop down a choke constriction if desired.
• Practice Your Swing: Even the best ammunition requires good shooting fundamentals. Practice leading flushing birds to capitalize on the high velocity and tight patterns.

Winchester Ammunition has a storied history of producing reliable and effective ammunition for hunters worldwide. The Super Pheasant Magnum (UPC: 020892016682) continues this tradition, representing the pinnacle of 20 gauge pheasant loads. It embodies Winchester's commitment to quality, performance, and hunter satisfaction, making it a trusted choice for serious upland sportsmen.

For hunters seeking this premium ammunition, the Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum (SKU: X203PH5) is readily available at trusted retailers like DEGuns, where you can find this specific UPC and other top-tier hunting supplies designed to enhance your outdoor pursuits. Invest in ammunition that matches your dedication to the hunt – choose Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum.

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Product Specifications: Winchester Super Pheasant Magnum (X203PH5)

Feature	Detail
Brand	Winchester Ammo
Series	Magnum
Gauge	20 Gauge
Length	3"
Ounces	1 1/4 oz
Shot Size	5
Shot Material	Copper-Plated Lead
Velocity	1250 fps
Brass Type	High
Game Type	Upland
Application	Hunting
Rounds/Box	25
UPC	020892016682
SKU	X203PH5