Winchester Supreme Elite PDX1 ammunition was tested by the FBI to see if it can stand up to real world, life threatening situations. This ammunition has impressive expansion and notable velocities at various ranges thanks to Winchester's proprietary bonding process. In PDX1 ammunition, Winchester engineers have created a self defense load that exhibits controlled expansion and a higher weight retention.

In addition to the 12 pellets of plated BB shot, the 410 Bore load also features 3 plated Defense Disc projectiles. Loaded in black hulls with a black oxide high-base. Originally developed for the Taurus Judge, these shells can also be used for varmint hunting and pest control.

Field shotshells are used for hunting, while target shotshells are used to break clays.

Field loads are generally considered to cover shot sizes 6 all the way up to size T and include all of the buckshot sizes. Target shotshells generally start at shot size 7, and end at shot size 9. Of course, there are exceptions. Smaller shot sizes - such as size 10 - may be used to hunt certain game birds such as quail. It all depends on what you are hunting.

As there is much overlap in application of field shotshell/game combinations, when choosing your field load be sure to consider your game as well as the distance you are shooting from, and the payload of the round. The shot size of all products can be found in the description of each product along with the weight of shot loaded in the round.

The caliber of shotguns is measured in terms of gauge (U.S.) or bore (U.K.). The gauge number is determined by the weight, in fractions of a pound, of a solid sphere of lead with a diameter equal to the inside diameter of the barrel. So, a 10 gauge shotgun nominally should have an inside diameter equal to that of a sphere made from one-tenth of a pound of lead. By far the most common gauges are 12 (0.729 in, 18.5 mm diameter) and 20 (0.614 in, 15.6 mm), although .410 (= 67), 32, 28, 24, 16, and 10 (19.7 mm) gauge also exist.