Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Winchester Xpert Pheasant 20 Gauge delivers non-toxic steel shot at 1330 fps — a load engineered for upland hunters who chase pheasant, dove, and small game in habitats where lead is restricted or prohibited. Winchester chambers 1 ounce of #4 steel in a 3-inch hull, balancing payload density with recoil management in lighter-gauge platforms. For the hunter walking fields from sunup to limits, this is a steel load that patterns tight and hits hard without punishing your shoulder.
Load Profile
Winchester wraps corrosion-resistant steel pellets in a polymer wad system that protects the bore and maintains pattern integrity through extended chokes. The Winchester Boxer primer ignites cleanly in damp conditions, and the reloadable hull extends the value of your brass investment. At 1330 feet per second, the 1-ounce payload carries enough energy for clean kills on roosters out to 40 yards when choked appropriately — Improved Cylinder to Modified for most field scenarios.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Steel Shot |
| Shot weight | 1 Ounce |
| Shot size | #4 |
| Velocity | 1330 fps |
| Wad/hull | Reloadable, polymer wad |
| Rounds/box | 25 |
| Intended use | Upland, Dove & Small Game |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Non-toxic | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
Steel shot meets federal non-toxic requirements for waterfowl and state-mandated upland areas where lead is banned. The 20 gauge platform reduces recoil while the 3-inch chamber maximizes payload capacity — critical when #4 steel pellets are smaller than equivalent lead. Browse the full 20 Gauge Steel Shot Ammo inventory for additional loads and shot sizes.
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 is loaded; keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction; keep finger off trigger until ready to shoot; be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that steel shot is safe for your shotgun barrel and choke tubes — steel shot requires appropriate bore materials and choke restrictions (Improved Cylinder or more open for most steel loads).
- Comply with all state and local regulations regarding ammunition purchase, possession, and use — some jurisdictions mandate non-toxic shot for all upland hunting, while others restrict by species or habitat.
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