Editor’s Choice: Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite

posted on April 4, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
winchaa.jpg

Winchester Ammunition has a high-performance addition to its a shotshell lineup. Called AA Diamond Grade Elite, these are loads intended for serious clays shooters, and the timing couldn't be better for a premium product like this, as clay-shooting competitions continue to expand across the country.

These clay-shooting shotshells employ the AA wad, but the lead shot has higher antimony content, so it does not deform as much as softer shot upon firing. Also, the shot is copper-plated and sorted for size and concentricity. One of the additional benefits of the AA wad is that it is designed to reduce felt recoil for the shooter by absorbing some of the energy from the shotshell's firing.

Thanks to the sorted shot and its protection from deformation during firing, the Winchester AA Diamond Grade shells are purpose-built to provide a perfect shot pattern that breaks clays in even the most challenging circumstances. The use of hardened shot means that shot patterns stay tighter, allowing shotgunners to break clays at extended distances.

It is available in 12 gauge only in 1-oz. loads at either 1250 or 1350 f.p.s. or in 1 
1⁄8-oz. loads at 1250 or 1300 f.p.s. winchester.com

Latest

Guns of the American Revolution Illustration
Guns of the American Revolution Illustration

The Guns of the American Revolution

Contrary to popular perception, the American Revolution wasn’t all muskets, bayonets and Mel Gibson running around with a tomahawk.

The Pedersoli Kodiak Survivalist: A Gentleman's Survival Rifle

Pedersoli brings the double rifle into both affordable and practical territory with their Kodiak Survivalist Compact Express Rifle chambered in .44 Mag.

The Armed Citizen® June 29, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

4 Helpful Online Tools to Track Ammunition Prices

For those seeking the best possible prices on ammunition, a number of new tools have emerged to give firearm enthusiasts an edge up when it comes to feeding their guns on a budget.

Book Review: 2026 Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States

Newly updated for 2026, the 30th edition of the “Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States” is a must-have resource for those who travel often and therefore must navigate the patchwork maze of laws imposed in various localities.

5 Must-Have Ruger Mini-14 Accessories

In production since 1973, the Ruger Mini-14 has spawned a rather healthy aftermarket of parts and accessories. Here are five that you really can't live without if you're a true Mini-14 fan.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.