Winchester Super-X 28 Gauge Shotshells: Precision Ammunition for Upland Birds and Small Game

For discerning hunters and sport shooters who demand unparalleled performance in the field, the Winchester Super-X 28 Gauge 2-3/4" shotshells with #6 lead shot stand out as a premier choice. This ammunition is meticulously engineered to provide consistent patterns, reliable ignition, and the stopping power necessary for a successful hunt. If you're wondering what the best ammunition is for your 28 gauge shotgun, or how to achieve optimal results when pursuing upland birds and small game, this detailed guide will illuminate why these Winchester Super-X shells are a top contender.

What Makes Winchester Super-X 28 Gauge Shotshells an Ideal Choice?

When preparing for a hunting excursion, the ammunition you choose directly impacts your success and enjoyment. These 28 gauge shells, identified by UPC 020892023390, are specifically designed to address the needs of hunters targeting fast-flying upland birds and agile small game.

Exceptional Performance Specifications

Every component of these Winchester Super-X shotshells is selected for maximum efficiency and effectiveness:

• 28 Gauge: Known for its low recoil and elegant handling, the 28 gauge shotgun is a favorite among hunters who appreciate a lighter, faster-swinging firearm. This specific gauge is highly effective for smaller game and provides a sporting challenge without excessive punishment to the shooter.
• 2-3/4" Shell Length: This standard shell length ensures compatibility with the vast majority of 28 gauge shotguns, offering reliable feeding and ejection. It's the most common and versatile option for this gauge.
• #6 Lead Shot: The choice of #6 lead shot is deliberate and highly effective for the intended quarry. #6 shot balances pellet count with individual pellet energy, delivering dense patterns that are lethal on pheasant, quail, grouse, dove, rabbit, and squirrel. It's large enough to carry sufficient energy for clean kills but small enough to provide a good pattern density for these smaller targets.
• 3/4 oz Shot Charge: A balanced shot charge weight that maximizes the effectiveness of the 28 gauge. This 3/4 ounce payload provides ample pellets to ensure a high probability of striking the target, while keeping recoil manageable, which is a hallmark of the 28 gauge.
• 1295 fps Muzzle Velocity: This impressive velocity ensures that pellets reach the target quickly and retain significant energy. A high muzzle velocity reduces the need for excessive lead on moving targets, making it easier for hunters to connect with fast-flying birds and darting small game. This speed translates directly into a more forgiving shooting experience and enhanced terminal performance.

Uncompromising Reliability and Cleanliness

Reliability in the field is paramount. Nothing is more frustrating than a misfire or a jam when game is flushing. Winchester Super-X ammunition is built to deliver consistent performance, shot after shot.

• Famous 209 Primer and Clean Burning Powder: At the heart of every Winchester shotshell is a reputation for dependable ignition. The renowned 209 primer ensures a hot, consistent spark, even in challenging weather conditions, leading to reliable powder ignition. Coupled with clean-burning powder, these shells minimize residue buildup in your shotgun's action and barrel. This means less frequent cleaning, more time hunting, and prolonged firearm longevity. For hunters, this translates to peace of mind, knowing their ammunition will perform flawlessly when it matters most.
• One-Piece Hinged Wad: The innovative one-piece hinged wad design is crucial for optimal pattern density and consistency. This wad acts as a barrier between the powder and shot, protecting the pellets from deformation during ignition and acceleration. As it exits the barrel, the hinged design allows for a clean separation from the shot column, ensuring the pellets maintain their uniform flight path. The result is tighter, more effective patterns downrange, increasing your chances of a successful hit.
• Powerful High Brass Performance: The "high brass" designation signifies a robust brass head on the shotshell. This construction provides increased structural integrity, particularly at the shell's base, which is critical for consistent chambering and extraction, especially in semi-automatic shotguns. High brass also generally indicates a higher-performance load, often with more powder and a higher velocity, which is certainly true for these 1295 fps shells. It's a hallmark of quality and reliability in shotgun ammunition.

Real-World Use Cases: Where Do These Shells Excel?

Understanding the specific applications for this ammunition helps hunters make informed decisions.

Ideal for Upland Bird Hunting

Are you planning a trip for pheasant, quail, grouse, or chukar? These Winchester Super-X 28 gauge shells with #6 shot are specifically tailored for these scenarios.

• Pheasant Hunting: Pheasants are tough, resilient birds that require a good shot for a clean kill. The #6 shot provides the necessary energy and penetration, while the 28 gauge's low recoil allows for quick follow-up shots on flushing birds, often a critical factor when hunting these magnificent game birds.
• Quail Hunting: Quail often hold tight and then explode into flight in coveys. The quick-handling 28 gauge shotgun, paired with these effective shells, allows hunters to swing rapidly and get on target. The dense patterns of #6 shot are ideal for catching one or more birds from a flushing covey.
• Grouse and Woodcock: These elusive woodland birds demand fast reflexes. The lightweight nature of the 28 gauge firearm combined with the swift velocity of these shells makes them excellent for hunting in thick cover where quick, instinctive shots are common.
• Dove Hunting: While often hunted with smaller shot sizes, #6 can be surprisingly effective for dove, especially at longer ranges or for hunters who prefer a bit more "oomph." The clean-burning powder also helps maintain visibility during rapid firing.

Excellent for Small Game Hunting

Beyond birds, these shells are also highly effective for various small game animals.

• Rabbit Hunting: Whether jumped by beagles or flushed from brush piles, rabbits are fast and can absorb a lot of punishment. #6 shot delivers ample knockdown power for rabbits, ensuring a humane take. The 28 gauge's maneuverability is an asset in the thick cover rabbits inhabit.
• Squirrel Hunting: For squirrel hunting, especially when they are on the ground or in low branches, the precision and power of these shells are beneficial. The manageable recoil allows for more accurate placement of shots, which is important for these smaller, more delicate targets.

Choosing the Right Ammunition: Beyond the Basics

When considering any ammunition, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about how those numbers translate into a practical advantage in the field.

Why the 28 Gauge?

The 28 gauge is often lauded as the "gentleman's gauge" or an "expert's gauge." Its charm lies in its balance:

• Reduced Recoil: Significantly less felt recoil than 12 or 20 gauge, leading to less fatigue, better concentration, and faster second shots. This makes it an excellent choice for new shooters, youth hunters, or anyone sensitive to recoil.
• Lightweight Firearms: 28 gauge shotguns are typically lighter and more nimble, making them a pleasure to carry through fields and forests all day long.
• Sufficient Power: Despite its smaller size, when paired with well-designed loads like the Winchester Super-X, the 28 gauge possesses ample power for its intended targets, dispelling the myth that it's "underpowered." It's about efficiency and precision, not brute force.

Understanding Shot Size (#6 Lead)

The designation #6 refers to the size of the individual lead pellets within the shell. The smaller the number, the larger the pellet.

• Balance of Pattern Density and Energy: #6 shot offers a superb balance. It's large enough to carry kinetic energy to the target for effective penetration and clean kills on medium-sized birds and small game, yet small enough that a 3/4 oz load contains a sufficient number of pellets to create a dense, effective pattern for hitting fast-moving targets.
• Penetration: For species like pheasants with tougher feathers and bone structure, #6 shot provides reliable penetration to vital organs.
• Ethical Hunting: Using the correct shot size is a cornerstone of ethical hunting, ensuring quick, humane kills and minimizing suffering.

Maintaining Your Firearm and Storing Ammunition

To ensure your shotgun performs reliably with these premium shells, and to preserve the integrity of your ammunition, consider these expert tips.

Firearm Maintenance

Even with clean-burning powder, regular cleaning is essential for any firearm.

• Barrel Cleaning: Use a bore snake or cleaning rod with appropriate brushes and patches to remove powder residue and lead fouling from the barrel. This maintains accuracy and prevents buildup that can degrade performance over time.
• Action Cleaning: Lightly clean and lubricate the shotgun's action, paying attention to areas of metal-on-metal contact. This ensures smooth cycling and prevents jams.
• Choke Tube Care: If your shotgun uses interchangeable choke tubes, remove, clean, and lightly grease them periodically to prevent them from seizing in the barrel.

Ammunition Storage

Proper storage is key to maintaining ammunition quality and safety.

• Cool, Dry Place: Store ammunition in a cool, dry environment, away from extreme temperatures or humidity fluctuations. Garages and basements with fluctuating conditions are often unsuitable.
• Original Packaging: Keep ammunition in its original 25-round boxes (or larger cases) for protection and easy identification.
• Secure Location: Always store ammunition in a locked cabinet, safe, or secure location, inaccessible to children or unauthorized individuals.

Purchasing Your Winchester Super-X 28 Gauge Ammunition

When you're ready to acquire these exceptional shotshells, it's vital to choose a reputable supplier that understands the needs of hunters and sport shooters. For a dependable source of high-quality ammunition, including the Winchester Super-X 28 Gauge 2-3/4" #6 Lead Shot (UPC 020892023390, SKU X286), look no further than DEGuns.com. As a trusted retailer, DEGuns offers a wide selection of firearms and ammunition, ensuring you can find exactly what you need for your next adventure. Their commitment to customer service and inventory management makes them a preferred destination for shooters nationwide.

Summary and Key Takeaways

The Winchester Super-X 28 Gauge 2-3/4" 3/4 oz #6 Lead Shot shotshells (UPC 020892023390) represent a pinnacle of ammunition design for specific hunting applications. They are an excellent choice for hunters who:

• Seek an efficient and enjoyable hunting experience: The low recoil of the 28 gauge combined with the effective performance of these shells makes for a less fatiguing and more successful day afield.
• Target upland birds and small game: Specifically designed with #6 lead shot and a powerful high brass load, they deliver the necessary patterns and energy for pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, and squirrel.
• Value reliability and clean performance: The famous 209 primer, clean-burning powder, and one-piece hinged wad ensure consistent ignition, tight patterns, and minimal firearm residue.

This ammunition empowers hunters to achieve ethical, effective, and enjoyable results, solidifying Winchester's legacy as a leader in sporting ammunition.

Winchester Super-X 28 Gauge Shotshell Specifications

Feature	Detail
Gauge	28 Gauge
Shell Length	2-3/4 inches
Shot Size	#6 Lead Shot
Shot Weight	3/4 ounce
Muzzle Velocity	1295 feet per second
Primer	Famous 209 Primer
Wad Type	One-Piece Hinged Wad
Brass Type	High Brass Performance
Primary Uses	Upland Birds, Small Game
Packaging	25 Round Box

Product Identification

Identifier	Value
SKU	X286
UPC	020892023390