Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
Winchester Xpert 20 gauge steel shot runs 1300 fps with 7/8 oz of #2 pellets — a 3″ hull built for ducks, geese, and federal non-toxic zones where lead shot is prohibited. The load chambers in any 20 gauge shotgun rated for 3″ magnums, and the steel shot holds velocity downrange without the deformation common to softer pellet materials. Winchester’s wad design cushions barrel wear while delivering tight, repeatable patterns at 25-40 yard ranges typical of waterfowl hunting. Winchester manufactures this load in the United States under standard Boxer priming — you pull the trigger, the primer lights the powder column, and 7/8 oz of steel exits at 1300 fps. No corrosive salts in the primer, no lead exposure, and the hulls reload for shooters who handload 20 gauge shells.
Performance at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Steel |
| Shot size | #2 |
| Shot weight | 7/8 oz |
| Velocity | 1300 fps |
| Buffered | No |
| Crimp | 6-point star |
| Rounds per box | 25 |
| Total quantity | 250 rounds (10 boxes) |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Lead-free | Yes |
| Intended use | Waterfowl |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
The #2 shot size bridges the gap between teal-sized targets and larger puddle ducks — pellet diameter runs 0.15 inches, large enough to carry energy at extended range but dense enough to put multiple pellets on a bird at 30 yards. Steel shot patterns tighter than lead of the same shot size, so #2 steel approximates #4 lead in effective range. Most waterfowl hunters run #2 or #3 steel for ducks under 35 yards and switch to BB or larger for geese or pass shooting beyond 40. This load ships in bulk — 250 rounds across ten 25-round boxes — for shooters who pattern their gun before the season or burn through practice rounds at the sporting clays course. Browse the full Winchester 20 Gauge Ammo lineup for additional shot sizes and hull lengths.
Who It’s For
Hunters working flooded timber, teal ponds, or jump-shooting creeks where shots stay inside 35 yards. Younger or recoil-sensitive shooters who want a lighter platform than 12 gauge but still need non-toxic compliance in federal refuges and state-managed wetlands. Shooters who handload their own shells and want reloadable brass-head hulls to refill after the season. The 3″ chamber requirement excludes older 20 gauge guns built for 2¾” shells only — verify your shotgun’s chamber length before ordering.
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 if it were loaded — muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Verify your shotgun’s chamber length matches the 3″ shell before loading — firing 3″ shells in a 2¾” chamber causes over-pressure and potential injury.
- Steel shot requires a modern barrel and choke rated for steel — older full-choke barrels built before 1985 may not handle steel shot safely. Consult your shotgun’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
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