Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Winchester 20 Gauge Steel Ammo in the Super X Xpert line delivers lead-free performance for upland hunters and small-game shooters who need non-toxic compliance without sacrificing pattern density. Chambered in 2-3/4″ shells, each round pushes 3/4 oz of #7 steel shot at 1325 fps — fast enough to anchor doves, quail, and cottontails inside 35 yards while keeping recoil manageable in lightweight field guns. Winchester is a legacy American ammunition manufacturer with roots dating to 1866, supplying hunters, competitive shooters, and law enforcement with centerfire and shotshell loads across every gauge and discipline. The Xpert series balances cost and terminal performance for shooters who burn through cases during dove season or weekend clays.
Built for the Box
Steel shot requires engineering adjustments to prevent barrel damage and maintain pellet integrity during firing. Winchester uses thicker wad segments in the Xpert hull to cushion the steel pellets and protect your bore from scoring. The 6-point star crimp secures the payload, and Boxer primers — manufactured in the United States — ensure consistent ignition across temperature swings. The hull is reloadable for handloaders who want to experiment with wad columns or shot sizes, though most field shooters treat steel as single-use due to hull stress. Each 25-round box ships at 1.760 pounds and carries DOT hazmat classification for ground transport only.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot type | Steel |
| Shot weight | 3/4 Ounce |
| Shot size | #7 |
| Velocity | 1325 fps |
| Wad/hull | Thicker wad segments, 6-point star crimp |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Lead free | Yes |
| Rounds/box | 25 |
| Intended use | Upland, Dove & Small Game |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
The #7 steel pellet size offers denser patterns than larger steel shot, making it effective for dove and quail at typical field ranges. Steel shot patterns tighter than lead at the same pellet count, so expect a more focused cone of fire — open your choke one step (Modified instead of Full) to avoid center-dense, edge-thin patterns. The 3/4 oz payload keeps recoil under 10 ft-lbs in a 6-pound side-by-side, comfortable for all-day hunting. For more steel and lead-free shotshell options across gauges, browse our full Winchester 20 Gauge Ammo selection.
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.
- Follow the four rules of firearms safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current federal, state, and local ammunition laws before ordering. Some jurisdictions restrict steel shot for certain game species or seasons.
- Steel shot requires Modified or Improved Cylinder chokes in most guns. Full chokes can create excessive bore pressure and damage thin-walled barrels — consult your firearm’s manual.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.