Celebrating 60 Years: Winchester AA Anniversary Edition Shotshells

The roots of competitive shotgun shooting extend back to 18th-century England. Since that time, shotgun shooting sports have gained global popularity, evolving from live pigeon shooting 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 identified a significant need for performance enhancement in shotshell loads, particularly target loads—maximizing effective pattern. In 1962, Winchester introduced the Mark 5 shotshell.

The design of the Mark 5 shotshell created a more effective pattern by reducing shot deformation. By utilizing a unique liner and extra hard shot with antimony, the shot was protected during passage through the bore and released without disturbance. Competitive shooters began experiencing more pellets within a 30-inch circle and, more importantly, a uniform distribution of pellets within that circle.

The Mark 5 was quickly embraced by competitive shooters, leading to the introduction of the compression-formed shotshell case in 1964. This advancement was the most significant in shotshell construction in 50 years, offering the strongest, most durable, and most reloadable shotshell case on the market. It was the final piece needed to create the greatest target shotshell in existence.

The innovations and learnings over three years culminated in the launch of the revolutionary AA® target load in 1965. This target load featured the best-in-class AA® Wad, extra hard shot, and the groundbreaking compression-formed shotshell case. With the AA, Winchester created a target load unmatched by any other in the world.

Over the past 60 years since the introduction of the AA target shotshell, both recreational and competitive shotgun shooting have significantly increased in popularity and show no signs of slowing down. Winchester continues to enhance its lineup of AA target shotshells, with significant advancements including:

• Early 1970s: Introduction of 28 gauge and .410 bore to the AA lineup.
• 1982: Launch of 1 oz loads for the international game of FITASC and as a lower recoil alternative for high-volume trap shooters.
• 1990: Celebration of 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: Development of the Super Sport sporting clays load, offering a 1,300 FPS and a 1 oz 1,350 FPS load for demanding sporting presentations.
• 2020: Expansion of the AA line to include AA Diamond Grade, featuring the highest level of antimony of any shotshell and copper-plated for consistently round shot and incredibly tight patterns.

The legendary Winchester AA shotshell has remained the most superior target load for six decades. Manufactured in the United States by American workers, the AA shotshell is designed to be the best. With high antimony shot, the renowned 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.