Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
For upland hunters transitioning to non-toxic loads on public land or shooting over waterfowl zones, the Winchester Xpert 28 Gauge steel shot bridges the gap between compliance and field performance. This 3″ magnum shell pushes 3/4 oz of #4 steel pellets to 1,350 fps — velocity high enough to maintain energy on dove, quail, and pheasant at ranges out to 35 yards. The 28 Gauge platform, historically a lead-only bore, gains new utility in non-toxic-required areas with this load. Steel shot means clean patterns through improved cylinder and modified chokes without the need for specialized wad systems or barrel treatments.
Load Profile
Winchester engineers the Xpert line around high-velocity steel shot payloads that maximize downrange energy while keeping cost per round competitive with training loads. The 3/4 oz shot charge in this 28 Gauge configuration delivers approximately 210 pellets of #4 steel — smaller pellet count than 12 or 20 Gauge equivalents, but adequate for head-and-neck shots on dove and teal-sized targets. Boxer primer and reloadable brass base allow hunters to reclaim hulls for reload projects, though steel shot reloading requires precise wad selection to prevent barrel scoring.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Steel Shot |
| Shot weight | 3/4 Ounce |
| Shot size | #4 |
| Velocity | 1,350 fps |
| Buffered | No |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Rounds/box | 25 |
| Intended use | Upland, Dove & Small Game |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
The 3″ magnum chamber length requires compatible shotguns — most modern 28 Gauge upland guns accept 2¾” or 3″ shells, but verify chamber marking before firing. Non-toxic designation means federal waterfowl compliance and California condor zone approval. Browse additional non-toxic loads in our 28 Gauge ammo collection.
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 pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Verify local and state regulations regarding non-toxic shot requirements before hunting.
- Steel shot requires modified choke or more open constriction to prevent barrel damage — consult firearm manual for steel-shot compatibility.
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