First Look: Winchester Expands Defender Ammo Line

by
posted on February 17, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
winchester-defender.jpg
Winchester ammunition recently introduced three new offerings to its Defender line, which will include new loads for the 5.56, 12 gauge and 20 gauge. Winchester's Defender line, long known for quality defensive ammunition, has been a persistent choice for home and personal defense, and these new offerings bring even more choices for self-defense.

The new Winchester Defender 5.56 load features a 64-grain bonded-protected soft-point bullet that utilizes an extruded copper jacket. Likewise, its got an extra thick base for optimum penetration on target, maximum weight retention and rapid, controlled expansion. Each of these features gives the new Defender 5.56 load the ultimate threat-stopping power. 

The 5.56 load features a Bonded Solid Base bullet with 2,800 fps and 1,115 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. 

As for the shotgun loads, the 12- and 20-gauge shotshells in the Defender line are loaded with copper-plated buckshot. The 12-gauge load utilizes 9 pellets of 00 buck, while the 20-gauge offering uses #3 buck with 20 pellets. The 12-gauge load features a 2 3/4-inch length with roughly 1,145 fps and comes in a 10-round box. The 20-gauge offering travels at the same velocity and is also a 2 3/4-inch shotshell.

Latest

Galco Launches the Masterbilt Dual Defense Rig
Galco Launches the Masterbilt Dual Defense Rig

First Look: Galco Launches the Masterbilt Dual Defense Rig

Carry two revolvers in comfort with Galco's new shoulder rig.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Pistol in a PHLster Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP pistol in a PHLster Skeleton holster with a CRKT Pilar III pocketknife.

U.S. Army Purchasing Additional Mossberg 590A1 Pump-Action Shotguns

Mossberg has been awarded a contact worth $11.6 million for its 590A1 pump-action shotguns.

Skills Check: The Baba Yaga Drill

Note: Pencil not included.

Review: Heritage Manufacturing Coachwhip Shotgun

The new Coachwhip coach gun is prettier than you’d expect and more practical than you may realize.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.