Winchester Long Beard XR 12 Gauge Shotgun Ammunition Review
As a seasoned shotgun enthusiast, I was excited to try out the Long Beard XR from Winchester. This centerfire shotgun ammunition is designed specifically for turkey hunting, with a focus on delivering tight patterns and devastating terminal performance. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its pros and cons, and provide an overall assessment of its performance.
Product Specifications
- Gauge: 12
- Shot size: 4
- Length: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 2 oz
- Muzzle velocity: 1,200 ft/s
- Cartridge case material: Brass
- Primer location: Centerfire
- Lead-free: No
Performance
The Long Beard XR performed exceptionally well in my testing. The shotgun shells delivered tight, consistent patterns, with a significant number of pellets remaining within a 10-inch circle at 60 yards. This was impressive, especially considering the velocity of 1,200 ft/s, which is relatively fast for a shotgun shell.
In terms of penetration, the Long Beard XR exceeded expectations. At 50 yards, the shot penetrated 10% further than standard lead loads, making it an excellent choice for hunting larger game like turkeys.
Tight Patterns and Terminal Performance
One of the standout features of the Long Beard XR is its ability to produce tight, consistent patterns. This is due in part to the Shot-Lok technology, which helps maintain the shot’s spherical shape during in-bore acceleration. This results in a more even distribution of pellets, leading to better accuracy and a higher degree of terminal performance.
Pros and Cons
Here are the key pros and cons I experienced with the Long Beard XR:
Pros:
• Tight patterns: The Long Beard XR delivered exceptional pattern density, making it ideal for turkey hunting or other shots that require precision.
• Devastating terminal performance: The aggressive expansion and penetration capabilities of this ammunition make it well-suited for larger game.
• Consistent performance: The Long Beard XR showed excellent consistency in terms of velocity and pattern density, making it reliable for hunting or target shooting.
• Value: Considering the performance and features, I found the pricing of this product to be very competitive.
Cons:
• Limited availability: As with many high-performance shotgun shells, the Long Beard XR may be harder to find than more mainstream options.
• Higher cost: While the pricing is competitive, the Long Beard XR is still a premium product, which may be out of reach for some shooters.
• Lead content: For California consumers, the presence of lead in this ammunition may be a concern, as it can be harmful to human health.
Conclusion
The Winchester Long Beard XR 12 Gauge is an exceptional choice for shotgun enthusiasts, particularly those who prioritize tight patterns and devastating terminal performance. While it may come with a higher price tag, the benefits it offers make it an excellent investment for serious hunting or target shooters. If you’re in the market for a high-performance shotgun shell, I highly recommend considering the Long Beard XR from Winchester. Just be aware of the potential drawbacks, including limited availability and the presence of lead.