Winchester Long Beard XR Turkey Loads

by
posted on April 4, 2014
** 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. **
Winchester Long Beard XR 12 gauge turkey load shotshell ammunition hunting

Diehard turkey hunters are a fickle crowd; constantly changing equipment (shotgun, choke, and shotshells) in an effort to improve external and terminal ballistics, and willing to pay premiums for even modest performance gains-typically calculated in yards. Such actions are understandable given that: seldom does one get a redemption shot; shot distances can vary greatly, especially for those birds that “hang up”; and the turkey’s head and neck represent a relatively small target. That being said, a hunter doesn’t necessarily have to pay exorbitant prices to get top-notch performance; case in point, Winchester’s new Elite Long Beard XR turkey loads, which sell at MidwayUSA for about $1.60 per shell.

Elite Long Beard XR differs from its counterparts in its use of what Winchester calls “Shot-Lok” technology; essentially, the premium, copper-plated shot are encapsulated (i.e. fully surrounded) by a hard resin that, upon setback/acceleration, fractures and creates buffer that cushions the pellets, thereby preventing deformation. Misshapen pellets migrate to a pattern’s fringe, so maintaining pellet roundness is key to extending a load’s effective range. That’s exactly what Shot-Lok does.

According to Winchester, when compared to traditional-type loads, Elite Long Beard XR offers “twice the pellets in a 10” circle out to 60 yds.” Limited to 50 yds., I tested the 3”, 1¾-oz. No.4 Long Beard XR (and a similar competitor’s load) in a Savage Model 24 fitted with an extended, extra-full turkey-specific choke and topped with Burris 3-9X ShortMag riflescope at that distance. Whereas the competitor’s load scored 23 hits in a 10” circle, Long Beard XR tallied an amazing 82 impacts-incredible, to say the least. In addition to improved patterns, one can expect increased penetration due to the minimally- or non-deformed, copper-plated shot. For 2014, Winchester Elite Long Beard XR is available in 12-ga. 3” and 3½” lengths, featuring 1 ¾ ozs. or 2 ozs., respectively, of No. 4, 5, or 6 shot. Look for additional testing in a future issue of American Rifleman magazine.

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.