Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
When you chamber 12 gauge 00 buckshot, you’re stacking nine .33-caliber lead spheres in a single hull — each pellet carrying enough energy to stop a threat or anchor a whitetail inside 40 yards. The Winchester Super X 12 gauge buckshot load runs a proven recipe: nine pellets, 1325 fps muzzle velocity, 2-3/4″ hull length, and non-corrosive Boxer primers. Winchester, the brand that introduced the first American-made centerfire cartridge in 1873, brings that same component consistency to every five-round box. You get reloadable brass-base hulls, smooth-bore compatibility, and the pattern density that made 00 buck the law enforcement and hunting standard for a century.
Performance at a Glance
Each 2-3/4″ shell holds nine lead pellets sized to .33 inches — the “00” designation dating to the English shotshell grading system. At 1325 feet per second, you’re delivering roughly 1220 foot-pounds of muzzle energy spread across those nine projectiles. Winchester builds the Super X line on compression-formed hulls with no buffer material, relying on the wad column to protect the pellet stack during setback. Boxer primers allow for straightforward decapping and reloading if you save the hulls; the non-corrosive formulation means you can store loaded shells in a safe for years without bore pitting when you finally fire them.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot/slug type | Lead Shot |
| Shot size | #00 Buck |
| Velocity | 1325 fps |
| Buffered | No |
| Rounds/box | 5 |
| Number of pellets | 9 |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Big Game |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
The 2-3/4″ chamber requirement fits every 12-gauge smoothbore made since 1900 — pump, semi-auto, double, or single-shot. You’ll see tighter groups with cylinder or improved-cylinder chokes; modified and full chokes can deform the pellet stack and open patterns beyond 25 yards. For defense use, pattern your specific firearm at 7, 15, and 25 yards to confirm all nine pellets stay inside a 12-inch circle at your likely engagement distance. For deer, verify your state allows buckshot and confirm your effective range matches your choke and barrel combination. Browse the full 12 Gauge Buckshot Ammo catalog for additional pellet counts and velocities.
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 loaded; muzzle in a safe direction at all times.
- Confirm your target, backstop, and what lies beyond before firing.
- Lead pellets require proper ventilation when firing indoors; store in sealed containers away from children. California Prop 65 warning applies.
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