Winchester's Long Beard XR Shot-Lok 12 Gauge ammunition is designed for serious turkey hunters. This 3 1/2" shell delivers a powerful 2 oz payload of #5 shot at 1200 fps. The innovative Shot-Lok technology protects the shot during in-bore acceleration, resulting in extremely tight long-range patterns. This load offers twice the number of pellets in a 10" circle out to 60 yards and 10% greater penetration over standard lead loads beyond 50 yards, providing devastating terminal performance on turkeys at extended ranges.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Winchester Ammunition |
| Model | Long Beard XR Shot-Lok |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 3 1/2" |
| Shot Size | #5 |
| Shot Weight | 2 oz |
| Shot Material | Lead |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1200 fps |
| Rounds Per Box | 10 |
| Application | Turkey Hunting |
Key Features:
The Winchester Long Beard XR Shot-Lok 12 Gauge 3 1/2" 2oz #5 1200 fps offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for hunting applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Shot-Lok Technology | Protects shot during in-bore acceleration Ensures tight patterns and long-range effectiveness |
| Pellet Count | Twice the number of pellets in a 10" circle out to 60 yards Increases hit probability at long distances |
| Penetration | 10% greater penetration over standard lead loads beyond 50 yards Improves lethality at extended ranges |
| Velocity | 1200 fps High velocity for flat trajectory and increased energy transfer |
| Shot Size | #5 Ideal for turkey hunting applications |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Turkey Hunting: Specifically designed for long-range turkey hunting, providing exceptional performance and increased effective range.
- Long-Range Shooting: Suitable for situations requiring extended range and tight patterns in shotgun applications.
- Competitive Turkey Shooting: Ideal for turkey shooting competitions where long-range accuracy is crucial.
- Predator Control: Effective for controlling predators at longer distances where tight patterns are necessary.
- Performance Testing: Useful for testing the long-range capabilities of turkey hunting shotguns and chokes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ Long-Range Performance: Shot-Lok technology protects shot during in-bore acceleration, resulting in extremely tight long-range patterns.
- ✔ Increased Pellet Count: Delivers twice the number of pellets in a 10" circle out to 60 yards compared to standard loads.
- ✔ Enhanced Penetration: Offers 10% greater penetration over standard lead loads beyond 50 yards.
- ✔ Heavy Payload: 2 oz of #5 shot provides substantial knockdown power for turkey hunting.
- ✔ High Velocity: 1200 fps muzzle velocity ensures flat trajectory and hard-hitting performance.
Cons
- ✘ Recoil: The 3 1/2" shell with 2 oz payload may produce significant felt recoil.
- ✘ Specialized Use: Primarily designed for turkey hunting, may be overpowered for other applications.
- ✘ Gun Compatibility: Requires a shotgun chambered for 3 1/2" shells, not suitable for all 12 gauge firearms.
- ✘ Cost: Premium ammunition typically comes at a higher price point than standard loads.
About Winchester Ammunition:
Winchester Ammunition, a division of Olin Corporation, has been a leading manufacturer of ammunition since 1866. Headquartered in East Alton, Illinois, Winchester has built a reputation for innovation and quality over its 150+ year history. The company produces a wide range of ammunition for hunting, sport shooting, law enforcement, and military applications. Winchester's commitment to excellence is evident in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in East Alton, Illinois and Oxford, Mississippi. The brand is known for its groundbreaking technologies such as the Shot-Lok technology used in their Long Beard XR turkey loads, which provides tighter patterns and longer effective ranges. Winchester has also been a pioneer in lead-free ammunition, developing alternatives like the Ballistic Silvertip Lead Free line. With a focus on performance and reliability, Winchester continues to be a trusted name among hunters and shooters worldwide.
