Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Winchester Bismuth 28 Gauge ammunition splits the difference between steel’s safe-bore profile and lead’s downrange authority. Each 3″ hull carries 1 ounce of tin-plated #5 bismuth shot—denser than steel, kinder to chokes than tungsten—moving at 1300 fps. Buffered payloads compress less on ignition, holding pattern integrity to 40 yards where competing non-toxics fracture. For late-season teal over flooded timber or pintails decoying into farm ponds, this is the 28 Gauge waterfowl load that doesn’t ask you to choose between compliance and clean kills.
Built for the Box
Winchester tin-plates every bismuth pellet in this load, smoothing microsurface irregularities that cause fliers. The buffering compound fills voids between shot, cushioning acceleration forces that deform softer metals. Result: 90% of the pattern lands inside a 30″ circle at 40 yards—66% and 54% for the next two market competitors in independent patterning. Drylok wad system seals powder from moisture intrusion; double-crimp hull and lacquered Boxer primers guard ignition reliability when you’re kneeling in cattails at dawn. Reloadable hulls and non-corrosive primers extend brass life for handloaders. Made in the United States.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 3″ |
| Shot Type | Bismuth Shot |
| Shot Weight | 1 Ounce |
| Shot Size | #5 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1300 fps |
| Buffered | Yes |
| Choke Compatibility | Any choke (safe for full) |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Rounds per Box | 25 |
| Intended Use | Waterfowl |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
Bismuth’s 9.6 g/cm³ density bridges the gap between steel (7.8) and lead (11.3), allowing #5 shot to carry energy steel #4 needs while packing more pellets per ounce. Safe for Damascus-steel and fixed-choke heirlooms that steel would bulge. Browse our full 28 Gauge ammo selection for additional loads and shot sizes.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if loaded; muzzle in safe direction at all times — review NSSF’s firearm safety rules.
- Verify shotgun chamber length matches or exceeds 3″ before loading; consult manufacturer specifications.
- California Prop 65: This product contains lead, known to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
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