Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Winchester Super X Magnum 12 Gauge 3″ 00 buckshot is a buffered lead-shot defensive and hunting load designed for shooters who need pattern density and energy retention at extended buckshot distances. Twelve-gauge buckshot ammunition remains the benchmark defensive chambering for pump-action and semi-automatic smoothbore shotguns, and the Super X Magnum line extends effective range by wrapping each of its 15 lead pellets in a polymer buffer that reduces pellet deformation during setback and bore transit. At 1210 feet per second, this magnum load generates the velocity to maintain pattern cohesion beyond the 15-yard standard of lighter buckshot loads, making it suitable for predator control, hog hunting, and home defense scenarios where barrier penetration and immediate incapacitation are mission requirements.
Performance at a Glance
Winchester has manufactured the Super X line since the 1960s, and the magnum buckshot variant retains the same brass-plated steel head, high-strength polyethylene hull, and 6-point star crimp that have defined the brand’s cost-effective defensive ammunition for decades. The buffering agent fills the voids between pellets before crimping, which reduces pellet-to-pellet friction and bore scrubbing — both contributors to pattern stringing and flyers at distance. The boxer primer is non-corrosive, and the hull is reloadable for shooters who reload their own defensive or training ammunition.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Lead Shot |
| Shot size | #00 Buck |
| Number of pellets | 15 |
| Velocity | 1210 fps |
| Buffered | Yes |
| Hull | High-strength polyethylene |
| Crimp | 6-Point Star |
| Choke | Improved Cylinder or open recommended |
| Rounds/box | 15 |
| Intended use | Big Game / Home Defense |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
This load is chambered specifically for 3-inch magnum 12-gauge shotguns; do not fire in chambers marked 2¾” only. The additional case length and powder charge generate higher chamber pressures than standard-length shells, and firing magnum ammunition in non-magnum chambers can result in case rupture and receiver damage. For shooters building a defensive or hunting inventory, this 12 gauge buckshot ammunition offers a balance of pellet count, velocity, and cost per round that suits both training and field carry.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for shotgun 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 it is loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and always be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands thoroughly after handling ammunition and avoid inhalation of combustion byproducts at indoor ranges without ventilation.
- Verify that your shotgun’s chamber is marked for 3″ magnum shells before loading. Consult your firearm’s owner’s manual for maximum recommended shell length and pressure rating.
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