In March 2017, I
Reviewed
Aguila's Ultralight 12 Gauge #7.5 mini Shells shotgun shells are an option for survival.
Aguila's Mini Shell, a 12 Gauge shotshell that measures 1 3/4 inches in length, is very light and throws great patterns.
The Mini Shell was a great little shell, but it had one major problem: the price. Aguila Mini Shells cost $20 per box of 20 shells. This is more than the 12 Gauge High Brass loads.
This could prove to be a major problem for budget-minded backcountry hikers, especially if they want to do a lot more target practice.
So I began to search for an alternative that would offer similar performance to the Mini Shells but without the high price tag.
After doing some online research, I found Winchester's 12-gauge AA 2 3/4′” #7.5 International Target Load. This is basically a 7/8-ounce version of Winchester’s 1 1/8-ounce AA Super Sporting Clays load. They are approximately half the cost of Aguila MiniShells and are typically $11-$13 per box of 25 Winchester AA International Target loads.
The SPECS
Winchester's AA International loads can be used mainly in international skeet or trap competitions. They move at an incredible 1,325 fps and feature hardened shot, high strength hulls, AA wads to improve pattern performance, reloadable Brass shells and what Winchester claims is best-in-class primer and powder for field reliability.
Winchester AA International 2 3/4″ 12 Gauge Target Shells vs Winchester AA 20 Gauge Super Sport 7/8oz Shells
The 12 Gauge AA International Loads weigh only 26.1 ounces for 20 shells. This is impressive.
20 shells of Winchester's AA International are only 26.1 ounces in weight
This is just one ounce more than Winchester 20 Gauge AAA 7/8th Ounce Shells.
But the real question is how do they perform? Because light loads can often lead to thin patterns, I was interested in seeing what they looked like on some targets such as rabbits, squirrels, and turkeys.
FIELD TESTING
25 yards from an H&R/NEF Pardner Single shot Shotgun with Modified Choke on rabbit targets:
25 yards from a Stoeger Double Barrel Coach Gun Shotgun With an Improved Choke on an Rabbit Target
35 yards from an H&R/NEF Pardner Single Shot Shotgun equipped with a Modified Choke to a Birchwood Casey splattering target squirrel.
35 yards from a Stoeger Double Barrel Coach Gun Shotgun With an Improved Choke on an Birchwood Casey Splattering squirrel target
Even at 50 yards the AA International loads still produced enough pattern from the H&R/NEF single shot to produce multiple hits on this squirrel target.
35 yards from an H&R/NEF Pardner Single Shot Shotgun equipped with a Modified Choke and a Birchwood Casey splattering Turkey target.
FINAL TOUGHTS
The Winchester AA International 12 Gauge Shells performed well in field tests, as shown above. They are very similar to the heavier 1oz or 1 1/8oz shells in terms of pattern density.
They are not as light as the Aguila MiniShells but they have a greater velocity and piercing shot.
Winchester's 12 Gauge International Target Shells are an excellent choice for backcountry adventurers such as snowmobilers, snowmobilers, ATV'ers, canoeists, and others who prefer to carry a shotgun and keep their packs light.
5 stars (Highly Recommended).
About
Jason Schwartz is Rocky Mountain Bushcraft's Senior Editor and Founder. He is a former Army veteran and Red Cross Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor. He is also the author of Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains Pocket Guides. Jason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for The New Pioneer and Backpacker Magazine Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)
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By: Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com
Title: REVIEW: Winchester AA 12 Gauge International Target #7.5 Birdshot Shells- Ultralight Shotgun Shells for Survival Guns
Sourced From: rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2017/10/review-winchester-aa-12-gauge.html
Published Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2021 09:42:00 +0000