First Impressions of **Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition
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The Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition is designed for competitive shooters seeking consistent patterns and reliable performance. Marketed as a premium offering in the AA line, the Diamond Grade Elite promises tighter patterns and harder shot for enhanced accuracy. I was keen to see if this ammo lived up to the hype, especially considering the 23% discount made it an attractive option.
I was seeking ammunition that could provide an edge in sporting clays competitions. My existing shells, while adequate for practice, lacked the consistent patterns needed for consistently breaking challenging targets. The promise of tighter patterns with the Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition was incredibly enticing.
Upon receiving the case, the packaging exuded a premium feel, a step above standard Winchester AA shells. The shells themselves looked immaculate, with a clean crimp and vibrant copper plating on the shot. My initial impression was one of quality and attention to detail.
Compared to my usual Remington STS or Federal Gold Medal shells, the Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite stood out due to its advertised harder shot. I hoped this translated to fewer broken targets and improved long-range performance. The price point, even before the discount, positioned it competitively against these other premium options, making it a compelling choice.
I was definitely excited to try these out! The promise of tighter patterns and higher antimony content had me anticipating a noticeable improvement in my scores. Any ammunition that can potentially improve performance is worth investigating, especially with the attractive discount on the Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My first experience with the Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge was at my local sporting clays range. I shot a full round of 100 targets, focusing on long-range crossing shots and challenging angles. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my Beretta Silver Pigeon, and recoil felt manageable, similar to other 20-gauge target loads. The most immediate difference I noticed was the perceived increase in confidence when shooting at distant targets.
After the first round, I didn’t experience any issues, but I did notice slightly fewer “dust” breaks on closer targets than with my standard shells. This suggested the patterns were indeed tighter, potentially requiring more precise aiming at closer distances.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite, I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my shotgun. The shells consistently performed well, exhibiting no signs of deterioration or performance loss over time. I’ve also used the ammunition in temperatures ranging from 30°F to 90°F without any malfunctions.
The shells have proven to be incredibly durable, with no instances of swelling or deformation, even after being stored in my range bag for extended periods. Maintenance is straightforward; the hulls eject cleanly and leave minimal residue in the barrel. I clean my shotgun after every few hundred rounds, and the Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite leaves no more fouling than other premium target loads.
Compared to my previous ammunition choices, the Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite consistently delivers tighter patterns and more consistent breaks at longer ranges. While it might not transform an average shooter into a champion, it definitely provides a noticeable competitive edge. The increased confidence alone is worth the investment.
Breaking Down the Features of **Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition
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Specifications
The Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:
- Gauge: 20
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches
- Shot Weight: 0.87 oz (approximately 1 1/8 oz, despite listing discrepancy)
- Shot Size: #7.5
- Muzzle Velocity: 1300 ft/s
- Shot Material: Lead, with a copper plating
- Antimony Content: 8%
- Primer Style: Centerfire
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass
- Lead Free: No
- Number of Rounds: 25
The 8% antimony content is a critical factor, as it hardens the lead shot, reducing deformation upon firing. This results in tighter patterns and improved long-range performance. The copper plating further enhances the shot’s hardness and reduces friction in the barrel, contributing to pattern consistency.
Performance & Functionality
The Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge excels in its primary function: consistently breaking targets at various distances. Its tight patterns are particularly beneficial for longer shots, where less dense patterns can result in missed targets. However, at very close ranges, the tighter patterns require more precise aiming to avoid completely missing the target.
The main strength of this ammunition is its ability to deliver consistent and reliable performance, which leads to increased confidence. One area for potential improvement might be to offer different choke recommendations based on target distance. It meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for a premium target load, offering a noticeable advantage over standard ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite shells are well-designed and exhibit excellent build quality. The vibrant copper plating on the shot not only looks appealing but also contributes to the shell’s performance. The shells load smoothly into my shotgun and eject cleanly.
The weight of the shells is standard for 20-gauge loads, and recoil is manageable for most shooters. There is a minimal learning curve, particularly for experienced shooters who are familiar with target loads.
Durability & Maintenance
The Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite shells are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting performance. The brass case resists corrosion, even after being exposed to moisture. Minimal maintenance is required other than cleaning the shotgun after use.
Based on my experience, these shells should last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment. They seem very easy to maintain due to high-quality components, minimal fouling, and resistance to corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge is primarily ammunition and doesn’t come with any accessories per se. However, its performance can be optimized by selecting the appropriate choke for the specific shooting situation. Chokes that produce tighter patterns, such as improved modified or full chokes, are ideal for maximizing the effectiveness of this ammunition at longer ranges.
It is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun designed to shoot 2 3/4″ shells, making it universally accessible. It is also worth noting that this ammunition can be used in conjunction with aftermarket recoil reduction systems to further minimize felt recoil, making it suitable for shooters of all sizes and experience levels.
Pros and Cons of **Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition
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Pros
- Consistent Patterns: The harder shot and copper plating contribute to tighter and more predictable patterns, improving long-range accuracy.
- Reliable Performance: The shells cycle flawlessly and exhibit consistent velocity, resulting in reliable target breaks.
- Premium Components: High-quality brass, primers, and wads ensure consistent ignition and clean burning.
- Manageable Recoil: Recoil is similar to other 20-gauge target loads, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
- Increased Confidence: Knowing you’re using premium ammunition that performs consistently can boost your confidence on the range.
Cons
- Tighter Patterns Can Be a Disadvantage Up Close: At very close ranges, the tighter patterns may require more precise aiming.
- Price: While the 23% discount helps, it is more expensive than standard target loads.
Who Should Buy **Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition
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The Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge is perfect for competitive shooters and serious sporting clays enthusiasts seeking a performance edge. It’s also ideal for hunters who demand consistent patterns for reliable kills on game birds. Anyone who values consistent patterns and reliable performance will benefit from this ammunition.
This product might not be necessary for casual shooters who primarily engage in recreational shooting at close ranges. Those on a tight budget may also find the higher price point prohibitive.
A must-have accessory is a good choke set to tailor patterns to different shooting scenarios. A quality shell pouch is also recommended to keep the shells organized and readily accessible during competitions.
Conclusion on **Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition
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The Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge 0.87 oz 2.75” #7.5 Shotgun Ammunition lives up to its promise of delivering tighter patterns and reliable performance. The higher antimony content and copper-plated shot contribute to consistent target breaks, especially at longer ranges. While the price is higher than standard target loads, the performance benefits justify the cost for serious shooters.
The value proposition is excellent, especially when considering the 23% discount. The consistent patterns and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for competitive shooters and avid hunters.
I would definitely recommend the Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge to anyone seeking a performance edge in their shooting endeavors. Give these shells a try and experience the difference firsthand.