The Winchester Elite Long Beard XR 12 Gauge 3-inch 1-3/4 oz #5 Shot 10-round box is a specialized magnum shotshell engineered specifically for turkey hunting where extended-range head and neck engagement with tight-patterning loads is required. A primary friction point in wild turkey hunting is pellet deformation during ignition and setback, which spreads patterns prematurely and drastically reduces effective range past 40 yards. Winchester resolves this patterning constraint by encasing the copper-plated lead shot payload in its proprietary Shot-Lok® liquid-resin technology, preserving pellet sphericity for rifle-like pattern density at extreme distances.
The primary technical advantage centers on total payload stabilization during ignition. The liquid Shot-Lok® resin hardens completely during manufacturing, filling the voids between the copper-plated #5 lead pellets. Upon firing, the micro-resin buffer fractures into a fine powder, shielding the shot column from flattening and setback deformation as it accelerates through the forcing cone and choke. Because the pellets retain near-perfect spherical geometry, aerodynamic drag is minimized, delivering twice the number of pellets in a 10-inch circle at 50 yards compared to standard buffered turkey loads.
Launching its 1-3/4 oz payload of hard copper-plated #5 shot at 1,200 FPS, this 12-gauge load generates deep penetration through thick neck muscle, feathers, and bone structure past 50 yards. Enclosed in a high-strength 3-inch hull with non-corrosive primers and specialized powder charges, it delivers consistent ignition, uniform chamber pressure, and smooth cycling in 12-gauge pump-action and semi-automatic turkey shotguns. It is an industry-leading selection for harvesting gobblers in open fields and timber edges.
Key Benefits
- Shot-Lok® Liquid Resin Buffer: Shields lead shot during ignition to eliminate pellet deformation for dense, long-range patterns.
- Hard Copper-Plated #5 Lead Shot: Retains spherical geometry to reduce air drag and maximize downrange kinetic energy transfer.
- Extreme Downrange Lethality: Delivers dense 10-inch pattern clusters and reliable penetration past 50 yards.
- Heavy-Duty 3-Inch Hull: Engineered for uniform pressure containment, reliable ignition, and smooth ejection in 12-gauge actions.
Technical Specification
- Ballistics: 12 Gauge | 3-Inch Shell Length | 1,200 FPS Muzzle Velocity | Long-Range Turkey Profile
- Payload: 1-3/4 oz Shot Charge | #5 Copper-Plated Lead Shot | Shot-Lok® Hardened Resin Buffer
- Case/Primer: Precision-Drawn 3" Plastic Shotshell Hull | Non-Corrosive Primer
- Logistics: 10 Rounds Per Box | Winchester Elite Long Beard XR Series
- Dimensions: 12 Ga 3" Geometry | 12-Gauge Turkey Shotgun & Extra-Full Choke Compatible | SKU: STLB1235
- Application: Long-Range Wild Turkey Hunting, Spring Gobblers, and Extended-Distance Patterning
- Standards: SAAMI Compliant | Winchester Factory Quality Control Benchmarks
If you're running a 12-gauge turkey setup and need consistent pattern density past standard ranges without switching to alternative shot materials, this load addresses pellet deformation and spread directly. Get proven pattern retention and penetration performance backed by controlled manufacturing—available now from SMKW.
