Description
The Winchester Super-X High Brass Heavy Game Load has been a go-to shell for upland hunters since 1922, and for good reason. This 20 gauge load packs a full ounce of #8 lead shot into a 2.75-inch shell, pushing it downrange at 1220 feet per second. That velocity paired with the smaller shot size makes these shells particularly suited for smaller upland birds and game where precision matters more than maximum knockdown power.
Winchester Super-X Construction and Performance
What sets these shells apart is their engineering. They use a high-brass hull that feeds reliably in both pump and semi-automatic shotguns, coupled with a one-piece hinged wad that keeps patterns tight and consistent. The 209 primer fires clean and hot every time, which means you get uniform velocity and reliable ignition even in less-than-ideal field conditions. That combination of construction details translates directly to tighter shot groupings downrange, and tighter patterns mean more consistent kills on flying birds.
Built for Quail, Dove, and Small Game
The #8 shot size has long been the standard for smaller upland birds. Compared to heavier #6 or #5 loads, #8 gives you more pellets in the air without damaging meat on doves and quail, which is a real consideration if you plan to clean and cook your birds. The 1-ounce payload in a 20 gauge delivers around 410 pellets, giving you the density you need at typical hunting ranges without the recoil of bigger gauges or heavier loads. These shells feel soft to shoot, which matters when you're walking fields all day.
Why These Shells Work
You'll find Winchester Super-X shells on the shelf at most sporting goods stores because they simply work. Field testers appreciate the consistent performance and tight patterns, while reloaders value the brass cases for reloading purposes. The combination of velocity and shot size means an effective range of roughly 35 to 40 yards on most upland birds, which covers the vast majority of actual hunting scenarios.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2.75 inches
- Shot Size: #8 Lead
- Shot Weight: 1 ounce
- Muzzle Velocity: 1220 fps
- Hull Type: High Brass
- Primer: 209
- Wad: One-Piece Hinged
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Manufacturer: Winchester
- Manufacturer Part Number: X208
- UPC: 020892009127
What’s Included
- 25 Winchester Super-X High Brass 20 gauge shotshells
Frequently Asked Questions
What upland birds are these 20 gauge #8 shells best suited for?
These shells excel on smaller upland game like quail, dove, and woodcock. The #8 shot size delivers plenty of pellets without excessive recoil, and the tight patterns these shells produce work well for birds in the 4 to 8 ounce range. While some hunters use them on early-season pheasants at shorter ranges, larger birds typically benefit from #6 or #5 shot.
What's the difference between the high brass hull and standard brass?
High brass hulls have reinforced brass at the base and sides, making them more durable for the pressures and stress of cycling through semi-automatic shotguns. They also tend to reload better if you reload your own shells. For reliability and longevity, especially in auto-loaders, high brass is the better choice.
Are these Winchester shells reloadable?
Yes, the high brass hulls are fully reloadable, and many shooters do reload them. The one-piece hinged wad is designed to be removed and replaced, and the primer pocket will accept standard 209 primers. Reloaders appreciate the quality construction and consistency of Winchester cases.
What's the effective range for these shells on game?
For most upland hunting situations with proper shot placement, these shells are effective to about 35 to 40 yards depending on your choke and the bird being hunted. The tight patterns produced by the one-piece wad help extend usable range, but remember that smaller shot like #8 loses energy faster than larger shot.





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