Join Winchester Marketing Director Jason Gilbertson and Product Manager Jimmy Wilson as they break down the engineering behind two of the most advanced turkey loads ever developed — Long Beard XR and Long Beard Tungsten.

In this technical deep dive, Jimmy and Jason explain how Shot-Lok® technology in Long Beard XR protects the lead shot during launch, delivering dramatically tighter patterns with twice the pellets in a 10-inch circle out to 60 yards compared to traditional loads. They also explore the cutting-edge advantages of Long Beard Tungsten, featuring ultra-dense 17 g/cc Tungsten shot that provides exceptional energy transfer, superior penetration, and incredible pattern density — often 6-8X more pellets on target at extended ranges.

From payload construction and velocity to real-world pattern performance and choke compatibility, this episode gives hunters an inside look at the science, innovation, and testing that make these loads lethal in the turkey woods. Whether you're a longtime Long Beard XR fan or considering the jump to tungsten, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what sets each load apart and how to choose the right one for your hunt.

Tune in for an expert conversation packed with actionable insights on engineering the perfect pattern.

There are people who hunt deer… and then there are those who understand them.

For decades, Dr. Grant Woods has walked that line between hunter and scientist — part biologist, part storyteller — studying whitetails with the kind of curiosity that never fades. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the screens of GrowingDeer.tv, he’s turned science into strategy, and passion into purpose.

But behind every study and every hunt, there’s something deeper — a belief that conservation and faith go hand in hand… that great hunts aren’t just about the harvest, but about what we learn in the process.

And through it all, one name has followed that same tradition of trust and precision — Winchester. For years, Dr. Woods has relied on Winchester Ammunition not just as a product, but as a partner in the pursuit of better hunting, better understanding, and better stewardship of the land.

Today, we sit down with the man behind the data, the stories, and the passion that continues to shape how we think about deer and the wild places they call home.

This is Winchester Life, and our guest — Dr. Grant Woods.

From the wide-open fields of South Dakota to the bright lights of national television, Benny Spies has carved a path unlike any other in the outdoor world. For over a decade, he chased the dream of telling hunting stories his way — raw, real, and relatable.

With his beat-up ’73 Winnebago, “The Toaster,” and a relentless passion for the outdoors, Benny became the voice for the EveryOutdoorsMan — proving that hunting isn’t just about trophies, it’s about laughter, mistakes, memories, and family traditions.

Today, he joins us to talk about his journey from working behind the scenes at NBC and VH1, to hosting Gun It with Benny Spies, to his proud partnership with Winchester. This is a conversation about persistence, passion, and the power of keeping it real. This...is Winchester Life.