Winchester® Defender®, ammunition powered by technology for personal defense

Ammunition built specifically for self defense needs continues to be a high priority among first time firearm buyers. The Winchester Defender line of ammunition is the most comprehensive line of technology-driven products in the industry with more than 20 combined offerings across the pistol, shotgun and rifle categories.

The diverse lineup within the Winchester Defender family provides many innovative options to keep you and your family safe in any situation. Winchester Defender products provide leading performance through premium materials and manufacturing processes to create the best self defense products.

Defender Centerfire Pistol Ammunition—

  • Jacketed Hollow Point – Six segments help promote positive, consistent, programmed expansion at a variety of speeds and impact ranges.
  • Proprietary Bonding Process – Welds the cable and jacket together to function as a unit that controls expansion and provides superior retained weight.
  • Copper Alloy Casing – Contoured for maximum expansion over a wide range of speeds/range.
  • Nickel Plated Shell – Helps ensure smooth chambering and shell ejection.

Defender Centerfire Rifle Ammunition—

Winchester Defender Rifle products feature premium bonded bullets for consistent expansion and deep penetration.

Defender Shotgun Shell Ammunition—

The Defender Shotshell is available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 caliber with multiple payload offerings including segmentation slugs, buckshot, and combination loads.

Defender Close Range was designed with home defense in mind, where likely shooting distances are between 10 and 20 feet. This load offers an incredibly high shot count with approximately 100 copper-clad #2 lead shot delivering tremendous on-target energy while reducing the risk of excessive penetration. Loading is further enhanced with a padded cue that reduces felt recoil and a cue designed for consistent dense patterns at close range.

Compatible with both pistols and shotguns, the .410 Defender ammunition features a distinctive black hull and black oxide high-base muzzle and combines plated Defense Disc™ shells and plated BB pellets. The result is the ideal self-defense load for close-range engagements with the performance to reduce aim error and stop threats.

About Winchester ammunition

Winchester is the world’s largest small-calibre ammunition company and a leader in providing innovative ammunition products for hunters, shooters, law enforcement, and combatants in the United States. The 157-year-old Winchester brand is based on the integrity, hard work and a deep focus on your loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or by connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

Winchester: Committed to the safe, legal and responsible use of firearms

As a world leader in the hunting and shooting sports industry, and a 157-year-old brand, Winchester is committed to the safe, legal, and responsible use of firearms. Winchester works with key groups like the National Shooting Sports Foundation on a variety of issues important to our industry, including training and education, and on specific programs like Gun Owners Care and Project ChildSafe. Winchester will continue to support programs, organizations and individuals that promote hunting and shooting sports activities in a positive and responsible environment. Any use of firearms by participating youth must be done under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.

About caring for gun owners

Gun owners care. You worry about safety. You care about preventing unauthorized access to firearms. You care about improving your community, helping those in need, and conserving wildlife and wild places for generations to come. It’s time for gun owners to tell their stories and show how they’re making a difference. NSSF®, the trade association for the firearms industry, has established the Gun Owners Care campaign to unite gun owners and the firearms industry in this common cause. Visit gunownerscare.org for more information.