Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
Winchester Drylok Super Steel High Velocity Waterfowl 12 gauge steel ammo addresses the reality of waterfowl hunting: you will get wet. Duck blinds flood, boats take on water, gear bags sit in marsh mud for hours before legal shooting light. The Drylok Super Steel High Velocity 12 gauge shell eliminates moisture as a variable. Winchester’s patented Drylok seal prevents water intrusion at the crimp and primer pocket — the two points where conventional shells fail when submerged or exposed to prolonged wet conditions. For hunters working flooded timber in Arkansas, tidal marshes on the Atlantic Flyway, or open-water layouts in the Dakotas, this 3.5″ magnum load delivers 1.5 oz of plated #2 steel shot at 1475 fps with the reliability waterproof construction provides.
Load Profile
The 12 gauge 3.5″ platform generates the chamber pressure required to push 1.5 oz of steel shot to 1475 fps — velocities that extend effective range on high-flying ducks and Canada geese. Winchester uses plated steel pellets to reduce barrel wear and maintain spherical integrity through the choke, minimizing flyers that open patterns prematurely. The heavy wad design cushions acceleration forces during the barrel transition, then releases pellets cleanly at muzzle exit. Boxer primers are lacquered as a secondary moisture barrier. The 6-point star crimp provides gas seal at ignition while allowing the Drylok treatment to fully encapsulate the payload. Twenty-five rounds per box ship with DOT-regulated hazmat protocols for lead-free steel shot intended for waterfowl over wetlands where federal non-toxic mandates apply.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3-1/2″ |
| Shot type | Steel |
| Shot weight | 1-1/2 Ounce |
| Shot size | #2 |
| Velocity | 1475 Feet Per Second |
| Wad | Drylok Super Steel Wad (heavy design) |
| Crimp | 6-Point Star |
| Rounds/box | 25 Round |
| Intended use | Waterfowl |
| Primer | Boxer (lacquered) |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Non-toxic | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Buffered | No |
| Country of origin | United States of America |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
The 3.5″ chamber requirement limits this load to magnum-rated shotguns — verify your receiver and barrel are marked for 3.5″ before loading. The 1.5 oz payload generates approximately 54 ft-lbs of recoil in a 7.5 lb gun, manageable for experienced waterfowl hunters accustomed to magnum loads but noticeable for shooters stepping up from 3″ shells. For more non-toxic steel options across gauges and shot sizes, browse our full steel shot shells inventory.
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.
- Observe the four rules of firearm safety at all times — review here.
- Verify your shotgun chamber and barrel are rated for 3.5″ shells before loading — firing 3.5″ ammunition in a 3″ chamber can cause catastrophic failure.
- Steel shot requires modified or improved cylinder chokes in most applications; full chokes can cause dangerous pressure spikes with steel loads — consult your shotgun manual.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.