2019 HUNTING GEAR GUIDE

FEDERAL PREMIUM RIFLE AMMO

The band is back together. After a several-year hiatus, Federal has teamed up with bullet-makers Nosler and Barnes to reintroduce loads with Accu bond and TSX projectiles. I hunted with the Federal 180-grain Barnes TSX in .30/06 last fall, and it delivered accuracy as fine as ever. More good news: Federal has added loads with bullets from Berger and Hornady too. —John B. Snow

MEOPTA MEOPRO OPTIKA6 RIFLESCOPES

Known for making quality European optics without the extravagant price tag, this Czech company has hit that sweet spot again with its new Optika6 riflescopes. Configurations range from 1–6x24mm up to 5–30x56mm, including five Hunting models with capped turrets and a choice of second-focal-plane reticles (mil or MOA; illuminated or not) and five Shooting models with exposed turrets and reticles in the first focal plane. There’s a solid, affordable scope here for most anyone. —Dave Hurteau

WINCHESTER SX4 20-GAUGE

This gun, though brand-new, already brings back great memories for me—specifically, of the best duck hunt of my life. In three days on Nebraska’s North Platte River, our crew shot the hell out of six SX4 20s without a glitch. This soft-shooter feels great in hand, and the speed-loading feature (the bolt slams shut after you put the