Winchester® AA® 60 Years Strong as the Choice of Champions
The roots of competitive shotgun shooting extend back to 18th-century England. Since that time, the shotgun shooting sports have become popular all over the world and evolved from shooting at live pigeons, to glass balls, and finally clay targets. For centuries, competitive shooters have sought the most effective tool to break targets, and that tool is ammunition.
Before the development of AA® target shotshells, Winchester observed a need that would be a major performance enhancement for shotshell loads, particularly target loads – maximum effective pattern. Winchester went to work and, in 1962, introduced the Mark 5 shotshell.
The design of the Mark 5 shotshell created a more effective pattern through the reduction of shot deformation. By utilizing a unique liner and extra hard shot with antimony, shot was protected during passage through the bore and released without disturbance. Competitive shooters were now experiencing more pellets within a 30-inch circle and, more importantly, a uniform distribution of pellets within that circle.
The Mark 5 was immediately accepted by competitive shooters and set a chain of events in motion that would culminate in Winchester introducing the compression-formed shotshell case, with integral tube and base, in 1964. The compression-formed shotshell case was the most substantial advancement in shotshell construction in 50 years and was the strongest, most durable, and most reloadable shotshell case on the market. It also was the final puzzle piece to create the greatest target shotshell in existence.
The learnings and advancements over three years led to Winchester Ammunition, launching the revolutionary AA® target load in 1965. The AA target load was comprised of the best-in-class AA® Wad, extra hard shot, and the groundbreaking compression-formed shotshell case. With the AA, Winchester had created a target load unsurpassed by any other target shotshell in the world.
In the 60 years since the introduction of the AA target shotshell, both recreational and competitive shotgun shooting have significantly gained in popularity and show no sign of slowing down. Winchester continues to improve its lineup of AA target shotshells. Significant advancements over the last six decades include:
- Early 1970s: 28 gauge and .410 bore are added to the AA lineup.
- 1982: 1 oz loads are introduced for the international game of FITASC and as a lower recoil alternative for high-volume trap shooters.
- 1990: The 25th anniversary of the AA shotshell and the introduction of the Super-Handicap load, arguably the most famous AA load in the lineup.
- 2001: The Super Sport sporting clays load is developed, offering a 1,300 FPS and a 1oz 1,350 FPS load for the most demanding sporting presentations.
- 2020: The AA line is extended to include AA Diamond Grade. AA Diamond Grade shot has the highest level of antimony of any shotshell and is copper-plated, allowing for consistently round shot and incredibly tight patterns.
The legendary Winchester AA shotshell has been the most superior target load for six decades. Made in the United States by American workers, the AA shotshell is built to be the best. With high antimony shot, the still-famous one-piece AA wad, and best-in-class powder and primer, AA shotshells provide the most consistent and hard-hitting patterns, shot after shot. From local shooting leagues to elite competitions worldwide, AA shotshells are The Choice of Champions.
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Winchester continues to improve its lineup of AA target shotshells, with innovations that have kept it at the forefront of the sport. Brand site: Winchester.com
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