Winchester PDX1 Defender Ammunition 410 Bore 3″ 4 Disks over 1/3 oz BB Shot

Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.

Winchester PDX1 410 Bore defense shells combine four plated Defense Disc projectiles with 1/3 ounce of copper-plated BB shot in a single 3-inch hull, engineered for personal defense in .410 revolvers and shotguns. The dual-projectile configuration gives you penetration from the discs and pattern spread from the shot — both exit the muzzle at 750 feet per second, a velocity Winchester calibrated for cylinder-bore guns and short barrels. Winchester subjected the PDX1 line to FBI protocol testing, evaluating expansion, penetration depth, and barrier performance across standardized threat scenarios. This load uses a black oxide high-base hull with 6-point star crimp, Boxer primer, and reloadable brass — you can pull the crimp and reload if you collect your hulls. Originally developed for the Taurus Judge, the 410 Bore PDX1 also functions in smoothbore single-shots, derringers, and rifled barrels, though patterns tighten in rifled tubes due to spin stabilization.

Load Profile

Pattern testing at 7 yards shows the four discs group in a roughly hand-sized cluster from cylinder chokes, while the BB pellets spread 10-14 inches — enough coverage for upper-torso hits without excessive dispersion. The plated Defense Discs are not traditional slugs; they’re flat, coin-shaped projectiles that stabilize in flight and retain momentum better than buckshot pellets of equivalent weight. Use this load for home defense, bedside ready-guns, or vehicle carry where over-penetration is a concern and you need effective terminal performance inside 15 yards. Winchester ships these in 10-round boxes with black oxide hulls. Also suitable for close-range pest control and varmint hunting, though trajectory drops rapidly past 20 yards. For more 410 shotgun shells, browse our full defensive and utility load selection.