Unlock Your Shotgun's Potential: The Definitive Guide to Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge Ammunition (UPC 047700028004)
Are you a dedicated upland bird hunter, a small game enthusiast, or perhaps a sporting clays competitor who values the classic elegance and unique performance of a 16-gauge shotgun? If so, then understanding the nuances of your ammunition is paramount to your success and enjoyment in the field or on the range. This comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of Remington Ammunition's Express XLR series, specifically the 16 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 6 Shot load, product code 28007, a highly sought-after cartridge known for its reliability and consistent performance.
When you're searching for reliable ammunition that delivers consistent patterns and effective knockdown power for your cherished 16-gauge, you're not just buying shells; you're investing in your hunting success and shooting satisfaction. This particular Remington Express XLR offering is meticulously engineered to provide exactly that: dependable ignition, uniform patterns, and the kinetic energy needed to humanely take down various game birds and small game.
Why Choose Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge Ammunition?
This ammunition is an excellent choice for a variety of users, from seasoned hunters to those rediscovering the joys of the 16-gauge.
Who Is This Ammunition For?
- Upland Bird Hunters: Especially those pursuing pheasants, grouse, quail, partridge, and chukar. The 16-gauge, combined with the 1 1/8 oz payload of 6 shot, offers an ideal balance of pattern density and individual pellet energy for these birds.
- Small Game Hunters: Effective for rabbits and squirrels where a denser pattern and moderate power are preferred.
- Sporting Clays Enthusiasts: While not explicitly a target load, its consistent performance and moderate recoil make it suitable for practice or informal clay target shooting sessions, particularly for those who shoot 16-gauge shotguns regularly.
- Owners of Vintage 16-Gauge Shotguns: Many classic shotguns were chambered in 16 gauge, and finding reliable, modern ammunition that respects the pressures and performance characteristics of these firearms is crucial. Remington Express XLR is manufactured to modern standards while still being appropriate for properly maintained vintage firearms.
- Hunters Seeking Versatility: The 6 shot size is often considered a versatile "all-around" pellet size for a wide array of upland game, striking a balance between pellet count for dense patterns and individual pellet energy for effective kills.
What Problems Does This Ammunition Solve?
- Inconsistent Performance: Many shooters struggle with variations in pattern density or velocity from cheaper ammunition. Remington Express XLR is renowned for its consistent manufacturing, leading to predictable performance shot after shot.
- Lack of Suitable 16 Gauge Options: The 16 gauge, while beloved, sometimes has fewer ammunition choices compared to 12 or 20 gauge. This Remington load fills a vital niche for quality and availability.
- Ineffective Knockdown Power: For game like pheasants, a reliable load that delivers sufficient energy for clean kills is essential. The 1 1/8 oz of 6 shot provides ample energy and pattern density to achieve this.
- Harsh Recoil: While any shotgun load produces recoil, the 16-gauge often strikes a favorable balance between power and manageable recoil, making for more comfortable shooting sessions. Remington's carefully balanced loads contribute to this.
Deep Dive into Specifications: What Makes Express XLR Stand Out?
The Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge product code 28007 is a testament to Remington's long-standing tradition of quality ammunition manufacturing. Let's break down its key features:
1. Gauge: 16 Gauge
The 16-gauge is often referred to as the "sweet sixteen" due to its unique position between the more common 12 and 20 gauge. It typically delivers a payload similar to a 12 gauge but with the lighter recoil and sleeker receiver profile often associated with a 20 gauge. For decades, the 16-gauge has been a favorite among upland hunters for its elegant feel and effective performance. It provides a dense pattern with enough power for common game birds without being overly cumbersome.
2. Shell Length: 2.75 inches
This is the standard and most common shell length for 16-gauge shotguns. It ensures compatibility with nearly all modern and vintage 16-gauge firearms, provided they are in safe working order. This standard length contributes to reliable cycling in pump and semi-automatic shotguns, and consistent chambering in break-action firearms.
3. Shot Weight: 1 1/8 ounces
A 1 1/8 oz payload is a robust offering for a 16-gauge shell. It provides an excellent number of pellets for dense patterns, which is critical for consistent hits on fast-moving game birds. This weight, combined with the moderate velocity, delivers significant energy transfer upon impact, contributing to clean, ethical kills. For comparison, it's often close to standard 12-gauge field loads, but in a lighter, more nimble platform.
4. Shot Size: #6 Lead Shot
Number 6 lead shot is a highly versatile and popular choice for upland game. Each pellet is larger than #7.5 or #8 shot, carrying more individual energy, which is beneficial for birds with tougher plumage or larger body mass like pheasants. Yet, it's smaller than #4 or #5 shot, meaning a greater pellet count per ounce, resulting in denser patterns at common hunting ranges.
- Ideal for Pheasants: #6 shot is often considered the gold standard for ring-necked pheasants, providing the necessary penetration and pattern density.
- Effective for Grouse and Partridge: Excellent for these birds which can flush quickly and require a well-distributed pattern.
- Suitable for Rabbits and Squirrels: For small game, #6 shot offers ample energy for effective dispatch.
- Pattern Density: The 1 1/8 oz payload ensures a good number of #6 pellets, creating a dense and uniform shot pattern crucial for connecting with fast-flying targets.
Performance Characteristics: What to Expect in the Field
When you chamber a Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge round, you can anticipate a few key performance attributes that contribute to its stellar reputation:
Consistent Velocities
While specific muzzle velocities can vary slightly based on barrel length and atmospheric conditions, Remington Express XLR loads are designed to achieve consistent velocities, typically in the range suitable for effective bird hunting. This consistency is vital for predictable lead calculations on moving targets and ensures reliable energy delivery.
Uniform Patterning
One of the hallmarks of quality shotgun ammunition is its ability to produce consistent, dense, and evenly distributed patterns downrange. Remington uses high-quality wads and propellants to ensure that the shot column leaves the barrel uniformly, resulting in fewer "holes" in the pattern where a bird could escape. A well-patterning shell translates directly to more ethical and successful hunts.
Reliable Ignition
Every hunter knows the frustration of a misfire. Remington ammunition is known for its high-quality primers and consistent powder charges, which translate into reliable ignition, even in challenging weather conditions. This means you can trust your ammunition when the shot opportunity arises.
Manageable Recoil
The 16-gauge is known for its pleasant shooting characteristics. While still a powerful round, the Express XLR 16-gauge load typically delivers manageable recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions without excessive discomfort. This is particularly appreciated when hunting where multiple shots may be necessary or during a long day of breaking clays.
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
How does this specific Remington Express XLR load translate into practical hunting and shooting scenarios? Here are some common questions and scenarios where this ammunition truly shines:
"What's the best 16 gauge ammo for pheasant hunting?"
For pheasant hunting, the Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 6 Shot is an outstanding choice. The #6 shot size is perfectly suited for the robust body and tough feathers of a pheasant, delivering enough energy for a clean, humane kill. The 1 1/8 oz payload ensures a dense pattern, increasing your chances of connecting with these elusive birds. Whether they're flushing from a cornfield or cackling from a thick hedgerow, this load provides the necessary power and pattern density.
"Can I use 16 gauge for grouse or quail?"
Absolutely. While #7.5 or #8 shot might be common for smaller birds, the #6 shot in this Remington Express XLR load offers more energy per pellet, which can be beneficial for ruffed grouse or larger quail species, especially at slightly longer ranges. For quick-flushing birds like quail, the dense pattern from the 1 1/8 oz payload is critical, ensuring more pellets connect.
"Is this ammunition suitable for sporting clays practice?"
While dedicated sporting clays loads often feature smaller shot sizes like #7.5 or #8 for maximizing pellet count for breaking fragile clay targets, the Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 6 Shot can certainly be used for practice. Its consistent patterns and manageable recoil make it a viable option for informal sessions, helping you stay proficient with your 16-gauge shotgun. For competition, you might switch to a finer shot, but for general practice and familiarity with your firearm, it's more than adequate.
"How does 16 gauge compare to 12 gauge or 20 gauge for versatility?"
The 16-gauge offers a unique blend of the best attributes of both the 12 and 20 gauge. It carries a payload very similar to many 12-gauge field loads (like this 1 1/8 oz) but does so in a lighter, more nimble firearm often built on a 20-gauge frame. This provides the hunter with "12-gauge power with 20-gauge handling." The Remington Express XLR capitalizes on this by offering a robust load that truly showcases the 16-gauge's capabilities.
The Legacy of Remington Ammunition
Remington has been a cornerstone of American shooting sports and hunting for over 200 years. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted name for generations of shooters. The Express XLR line is a continuation of this legacy, providing hunters and sport shooters with reliable, high-performance ammunition. When you choose Remington, you're not just buying a product; you're buying into a tradition of excellence and reliability. Their shells are manufactured with precision, utilizing quality components to ensure consistent performance in various conditions.
Maximizing Your Ammunition Investment
To ensure your Remington Express XLR ammunition performs optimally and maintains its quality for years to come, consider these simple tips:
- Proper Storage: Store ammunition in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity. This prevents corrosion, preserves the integrity of the powder and primer, and ensures reliable performance.
- Barrel Cleaning: Regularly clean your shotgun's barrel to remove lead fouling and powder residue. A clean barrel will contribute to consistent patterning and maintain your shotgun's accuracy.
- Choke Selection: Experiment with different chokes (e.g., improved cylinder, modified, full) to find the ideal pattern density for your specific hunting scenario and target range with this particular load. The 1 1/8 oz of #6 shot will perform differently through various chokes.
Where to Purchase This Premier Ammunition
For hunters and shooters seeking this exceptional 16-gauge ammunition, the Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 6 Shot (UPC 047700028004) is available from reputable firearm and ammunition retailers. A highly recommended source known for its extensive inventory and commitment to customer satisfaction is DEGuns. As a trusted purveyor of quality firearms and ammunition, DEGuns offers this specific Remington load, ensuring you can reliably stock up for your next hunting trip or shooting session. Their comprehensive selection means you can find not only this specific load but also other essential shooting supplies from a single, reliable vendor.
Conclusion
The Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 6 Shot (product code 28007, UPC 047700028004) represents an outstanding choice for any hunter or shooter who appreciates the unique capabilities of the 16-gauge shotgun. Its blend of consistent performance, versatile #6 shot size, and robust 1 1/8 oz payload makes it ideal for a broad spectrum of upland game birds and small game. When you load your 16-gauge with this Remington ammunition, you're loading it with confidence, knowing you have a reliable, effective shell designed to deliver results when it matters most. For your next hunting adventure or a productive day at the range, trust in the proven quality of Remington Express XLR, readily available at DEGuns.
Remington Express XLR 16 Gauge Ammunition Specifications
| Feature | Specification | Benefit / Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge | "Sweet Sixteen" balance of power and handling; ideal for upland hunting. |
| Shell Length | 2.75 inches | Standard length for widespread compatibility with 16-gauge shotguns. |
| Shot Weight | 1 1/8 ounces | Robust payload ensures dense patterns and significant energy for game. |
| Shot Size | #6 Lead Shot | Versatile choice for pheasants, grouse, quail, rabbits, and squirrels. |
| Pellet Material | Lead | Proven performance for ethical hunting (check local regulations for lead shot use). |
| Product Code | 28007 | Remington's specific identification for this reliable load. |
| UPC | 047700028004 | Universal Product Code for easy identification and purchasing. |
| Packaging | 25 Rounds per Box, 10 Boxes per Case | Convenient packaging for bulk purchasing and field use. |
| Manufacturer | Remington Ammunition | Trusted brand with over two centuries of ammunition manufacturing expertise. |
| Primary Use | Upland Game, Small Game | Optimized for effective performance on a variety of game birds and small animals. |
