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Winchester Xpert High-Velocity 12 Gauge Ammunition 3″ 1 1/8 oz BB Steel Shot - WEX123BB
The Vintage Edition Winchester WEX123BB brings high-velocity, non-toxic performance to serious waterfowl hunters. This 3" 12-gauge load fires a heavy 1 1/8 ounce BB steel payload at 1550 fps, delivering dense patterns and retained pellet energy for typical waterfowl engagement ranges. Built on Winchester’s Xpert steel formulation and shot cup design, it is optimized for consistent patterns, corrosion resistance, and reduced offset aiming at distance. Available in 25-round boxes and 250-round cases, it suits both single-day loadouts and extended hunts.
Features and Specifications:
- High Velocity Performance: Delivers a 1 1/8 ounce BB steel payload at an advertised 1550 fps, improving pellet energy and reducing offset aim for extended-range waterfowl shots.
- Xpert Steel Formulation: Proprietary Xpert steel shot and shot cup design enhance pattern consistency and resist corrosion compared with basic steel loads, helping maintain predictable downrange performance.
- 3" Shell Power: The 3 inch case increases payload and velocity while preserving reliable cycling in modern 3" compatible shotguns, making it suitable for heavy waterfowl field use and full-day hunts.
- Waterfowl Focused: Optimized for ducks and larger geese engagements; pellet size and velocity prioritize retained energy and pattern density at typical waterfowl distances.
- Non-Toxic Load: Steel shot meets non-toxic shot regulations for wetlands and migratory bird hunting, allowing legal use in restricted areas where lead is prohibited.
- Packaging Options: Available in 25-round boxes and 250-round cases for hunters who want single-season loadouts or bulk savings; bulk case purchases qualify for free shipping.
Deep Dive
Overview
The WEX123BB is engineered for waterfowl hunting where non-toxic steel loads are required. Its 1 1/8 ounce BB payload at 1550 fps is tuned to deliver dense, energy-retaining patterns at typical duck and goose engagement distances. Expect strong downrange pellet count for BB-sized shot, giving reliable knockdown on medium to large waterfowl when paired with an appropriate choke and a patterning session. This load is best for open-water and field shots rather than close-quarters work; its high velocity reduces lead compensation and helps maintain a flatter trajectory for shooting moving targets. Package sizes, 25-round boxes and 250-round cases, support both single-hunt needs and larger loadouts for repeated hunts or guides.
History and Development
Winchester Ammunition has a long legacy in shotshell development, dating back over a century, with product lines that span sporting, hunting, and defensive applications. The Xpert line represents Winchester’s focused series for waterfowl, where non-toxic performance, pattern consistency, and corrosion resistance are priority design goals. Winchester positions Xpert loads as purpose-built offerings for hunters who demand predictable downrange behavior and compliance with migratory bird regulations.
This specific cartridge, the Xpert High-Velocity 3" 1 1/8 oz BB, was developed to offer a balance of pellet count and velocity for extended-range waterfowl shots. The Xpert designation refers to Winchester’s proprietary steel shot formulation and shot cup geometry intended to improve pattern uniformity and reduce deformation common in basic steel loads. The 3" case allows a heavier propellant charge to reach the listed 1550 fps, improving pellet energy at range without changing BB pellet size.
Common Questions and FAQs
- Is this load safe to use in any 12 gauge shotgun?
Use only in shotguns rated for 3" 12 gauge shells. Ensure the chamber and action are marked for 3" loads. Also verify your choke is rated for steel shot; many older or aftermarket chokes are not steel-safe.
- What choke should I use for best patterns with BB steel shot?
Patterning varies by gun, choke, and wad. Start with a modified or improved cylinder choke and test at 30 to 40 yards to determine pellet distribution. Use chokes and constrictions that the choke manufacturer explicitly rates as steel-safe, and always pattern before a hunt.
- Are these shells reloadable?
Winchester’s factory steel shotshells are not intended for reloading. Shot size, shot cups, crimps, and primer seating on factory loads can differ from reloadable components. For safety and consistent performance, use factory shells or consult a qualified reloader and use components specifically designed for steel shotshell reloading.
- Is the shot corrosive and will it damage my barrel or choke?
The manufacturer lists the load as non-corrosive. Steel shot can be more abrasive than lead, so clean the bore after shooting and use steel-safe chokes to minimize wear. The Xpert shot cup helps reduce pellet deformation and may help reduce barrel wear versus poorly manufactured steel loads.
- Can I use these at indoor ranges or for defensive purposes?
Most indoor ranges prohibit steel shot because of ricochet and facility damage risk. This load is designed for waterfowl hunting and wetlands compliance, not for home defense. For defensive use, select purpose-built defensive loads and follow your local range rules.
- The product spec shows conflicting info about lead-free status; is this load lead-free?
The ballistics and product description indicate steel shot and non-toxic waterfowl use, which is consistent with lead-free pellets. However, the spec block included a "Lead Free: No" entry that contradicts the rest of the data. Because of that discrepancy, confirm the lead-free status with Winchester or your retailer before relying on it for lead-restricted hunting areas.
The 'Round Up'
Perfect Fit for:
Why It Stands Out:
If you hunt waterfowl and want a dependable, high-velocity steel load, the Winchester Xpert 3" 1 1/8 oz BB brings the downrange performance and patterning consistency you need. You get a heavy BB payload pushed to 1550 fps for flatter trajectories and improved pellet energy at typical duck and goose ranges, plus Xpert shot design that helps reduce deformation and corrosion. Whether you load a 25-round box for a day hunt or a 250-round case for an extended season, this round is built to deliver reliable patterns, repeatable ignition, and the value hunters expect from Winchester.
| Field | Details |
| MPN | WEX123BB |
| UPC | 020892015517 |
| Manufacturer | Winchester Ammunition |
| Platform | Shotgun |
| Ammo Application | Waterfowl / Hunting |
| Ammo Type | Steel Shot (Xpert High-Velocity) |
| Caliber | 12 Gauge |
| Grain Weight | 1 1/8 oz |
| Quantity Per Package | Box of 25 / Case of 250 |
| Test Barrel Length | Not Provided |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1550 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | Not Provided |
| Ballistic Coefficient (G1) | Not Provided |
| Case Type | Shotgun Casing |
| Primer Type | Shotgun Primer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Not Provided |
| Lead Free | No |
| Staked Primer | Not Provided |
| Country of Origin | USA |
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