Winchester Long Beard XR

[Shadetree Callers]

I picked up a few boxes of the new winchester long beard xr in 12 g. 3''  #6 shot and was finally able to do some shooting. I shot an 11-87 12 g. , 26'' barrel with tru glo choke .665 . I started at 25 yds and the pattern was all of about 8'' and there was no way to count the pellets, extremely tight. Next shots were at 35 yds and again the entire pattern was still within about 12'' circle. They really are tight shooting loads, tighter than htl loads that I have used. I have shot hevi loads since they first came out but I am switching back to lead now after my first benchtest. I will be shooting #5's and an indian creek choke later this week. And just for my own curiosity I shot a load at a laser ranged 60 yds and put 47 pellets in the center of a 10'' circle with my old tru glo choke.

[Turkeybuster]

These loads are going on sale at Cabelas Thur.  16.99-3"-----20.99-3.5".

Jon

[Shadetree Callers]

Got three more boxes of #5's today. Will be shooting them soon.

[AlanKrow]

I have the 3" #5.. use in a mossberg 535.. 660 choke, looks real good at 40 yards..
they will be in my vest this spring..

[Turkeybuster]

I'm going to pick some up this week I want to try them in my 3" model 12's. If they work out good that's probably the guns I will carry this year. I really dont need 267 pellets in a 10" circle to kill a turkey.

Jon

[Silverspur]

Bob, Thanks for the test on those loads. Not sure I need that tight a pattern but it is good info to have if you anyone wants to make a change.

[Porter]

I have a box of 6s and need to shoot them.  I'm going to pick another box up and some 5s.  I'll be heading to Cabelas soon, so I hope they have them 

Let us know when you crap those 5s!

[ncturkey]

Bob shoot some at 40 yards when you test some next time your pattern them. Those shells could take a little less tight choke. I got a .670 choke I may try with them.

[gspruger]

I shot several pattern targets at 40yds.,used 5's & 6's. Used four different firearms, all 3 1/2 inch, five different chokes( Indian Creek, Jebs,Browning Strut stopper,Hevy metal,Pattern Master Code Black and Black Bore ) Ranging from .640 to .655. All the patterns were what you want. The only thing is they do shoot higher than Winchester Supremes. Without adjustable sights, you'll shoot over a turkey.

[Porter]

Well after shooting these, I picked the 5s for my hunting loads.  Devastating performance, great pattern, and looking forward to smash some heads. 

The 3"#6's gave me 202 in a 10" circle.  My only problem with them is, they shoot either right or left.  I've adjusted and adjusted my red dot and they are shooting crazy

I'll fire one more down range before season and then I am good!  The 5s shoot every bit as good as the Hevi 13 7's. 

[mikey715]

Good, I got 5 boxes of 3" 5 shot and 5 boxes of 3 1/2 5 shot... Were you shooting 3 1/2 or 3's Mike???

[Porter]

3's for me!!!  I'm trying to post one of my patterns from 40 yards.  These things are amazing!!!

[ncturkey]

I know this post is old. But I wanted to commemnt a little. I know the patterns are really good for the XR. But what about the penetration. I know that the penetration with lead was not as good a Hevishot. The Hevishot was passing all the way through the turkey's head but the lead was not. Plus most birds I shot did not even flop with the Hevishot. It was hard for me to switch from lead to Hevishot. So the shell must be way better before I switch back to lead.

[The Woodsman]

Well for me it's an affordable alternative to heavy shot shells. I can kill 30 turkeys to the 10 I could get with the Hevi-13 for the same price. Penetration? So what? Dead is dead given 40 yards and under. And it shoots better..... No brainer to me.
It all makes the world go round.
Denny

[Shadetree Callers]

The X'S penetrate better than he vi shot. I shot a gobbler at 35 yds with #6 X 12 ga. And I had a couple pellets go completely through a beast at its thickest area. Gives turkeys a real nice backflip.