The Winchester Long Beard XR Shot-Lok technology delivers the tightest patterns and longest lethal range of any traditional turkey load on the market. This 12-gauge 3.5-inch magnum shell combines 2 ounces of copper-plated #5 shot with revolutionary Shot-Lok technology to create devastating downrange performance that extends effective range by up to 20 yards over standard turkey loads.
What Makes This Different
Shot-Lok technology protects individual pellets during in-bore acceleration, preventing deformation that causes fliers and opens patterns. The proprietary hardened buffer material releases pellets upon target impact while maintaining tight flight patterns throughout the shell's trajectory. Standard turkey loads lose approximately 40% of their pellets to deformation, while Long Beard XR maintains pellet integrity for maximum pattern density at extended ranges.
Key Features
- Shot-Lok technology prevents pellet deformation for 60% tighter patterns than standard loads
- Copper-plated #5 shot provides optimal penetration and energy retention on turkey vitals
- 3.5-inch magnum case delivers maximum powder capacity for highest velocities
- 2-ounce shot charge creates dense patterns with superior pellet count
- Diamond Cut wad design enhances pattern uniformity and reduces fliers
- Brass-plated steel head ensures reliable extraction and feeding
- Temperature-stable powder maintains consistent performance in field conditions
Field testing demonstrates consistent 40-yard lethal patterns with pellet densities exceeding 100 hits in a 10-inch circle. The load maintains sufficient energy for clean kills on mature gobblers at ranges that would require follow-up shots with conventional ammunition. Weather-resistant powder and primer sealing provide reliable ignition in wet conditions during spring turkey seasons.
Technical Specs
- Gauge: 12 gauge
- Shell length: 3.5 inches
- Shot weight: 2 ounces
- Shot size: #5 copper-plated
- Muzzle velocity: 1,200 fps
- Case material: High-strength plastic with brass-plated steel head
- Primer: Non-corrosive, all-weather
- Quantity: 10 rounds per box
- Country of origin: United States
This ammunition represents Winchester's most advanced turkey hunting technology, combining decades of ballistics research with field-proven performance data. The Shot-Lok system addresses the primary limitation of traditional turkey loads while maintaining the reliability and consistency Winchester is known for.