Shop Top Upland Hunting Ammo by Bird
Every upland hunt brings its own challenge, from fast-flushing quail to hard-flying pheasants, and the right upland hunting ammo ensures every shot counts.
At Ammunition Depot, we carry specialized upland game loads designed for precision, pattern consistency, and clean, ethical harvests. Whether you hunt over pointers in open fields or flush coveys in tight cover, matching your ammunition to your target bird is key to success.
Pheasant
- Pheasants are tough, fast birds that require hard-hitting upland loads. 12 gauge and 20 gauge shells loaded with #4, #5, or #6 shot offer the perfect balance of range and power.
- Consider premium options like Federal Prairie Storm or Winchester Super Pheasant for deep penetration and dense patterns that stop roosters cleanly.
Quail
- Small, quick, and often taken at close range, quail call for light, fast-handling loads. #7½ or #8 shot in 20 gauge or 28 gauge provides excellent spread with minimal recoil.
- Brands like Fiocchi Field Dynamics and Remington Game Loads deliver reliable, even patterns for these nimble birds.
Grouse
- For ruffed or prairie grouse, versatility matters. #6 or #7½ shot offers great coverage through brush or open prairie.
- Choose dependable loads like Kent Upland Fasteel or Federal Hi-Bird, which maintain consistent velocities and tight patterns whether your shots are close or extended.
Chukar & Partridge
- These upland favorites require mid-range performance and pattern control. #5 or #6 shot in 12 or 20 gauge works best, giving you clean hits on birds that flush strong and fly fast.
- HEVI-Shot Upland Extreme or Winchester Rooster XR provide long-range punch when the action gets unpredictable.
Dove
- For high-volume shooting, doves call for reliable, smooth-cycling ammunition. #7½ or #8 shot in 12, 20, or 28 gauge gives ideal spread and minimal meat damage.
- Look for Federal Game Load, Fiocchi Dove & Quail, or Remington Gun Club shells for consistent patterns and soft recoil during long shoots.
Whether you’re hunting upland birds in wide-open prairies or thick coverts, choosing the right upland game ammo by bird ensures dependable performance and clean, ethical harvests, every shot, every time.
Choosing the Right Shotgun Shell for the Hunt
Use this as a starting point. Pattern your own setup to confirm.
- Pheasant (early season, close cover): 12 or 20 Gauge. 1-1¼ oz. Lead No. 6 or 5. Improved Cylinder or Light Modified.
- Pheasant (late season, wild birds, longer shots): 12 or 20 Gauge. 1¼-1½ oz. Lead No. 5 or 4. Modified choke. Where non-toxic is required or preferred, bismuth No. 5 or 4.
- Sharptail and Prairie Chickens: 12 or 20 Gauge. 1-1¼ oz. Lead No. 6 or 5. Modified in big country.
- Ruffed Grouse: 12, 16, 20, or 28 Gauge. ⅞-1 oz. Lead No. 7½ or 6. Cylinder to Improved Cylinder in tight woods.
- Woodcock: 20 or 28 Gauge. ¾-1 oz. Lead No. 8 or 9. Cylinder or Skeet.
- Quail (over pointing dogs): 20 or 28 Gauge. ⅞-1 oz. Lead No. 7½ or 8. Cylinder, Skeet, or IC for under 25 yards.
- Chukar and Huns: 12 or 20 Gauge. 1-1¼ oz. Lead No. 6 or 5. Modified for windy ridges and longer crossers.
- Dove (upland warmups): 12 or 20 Gauge. 1-1⅛ oz. Lead No. 7½ or 8. IC to Modified.
Non-Toxic Upland Options
- Bismuth: Near-lead density. Great for older doubles and fixed chokes. Use the same shot sizes you would with lead.
- Steel: Go up one or two shot sizes vs. lead for similar energy. Example: steel No. 4 where you’d shoot lead No. 6. Open the choke one step.
- Tungsten-based: Heavy, efficient, and pricey. Useful when you need reach in heavy wind or on big late-season birds.
Other Capable Options
- Sub-gauges: 28 Gauge and .410 can shine in the woods or over tight-holding birds. Keep shots honest. Choose loads that keep pattern density.
- Heavier payloads: For big fields and spooky roosters, step up to 1½ oz. in 12 Gauge. Watch recoil and meat damage.
- Spreader loads: Handy in tight cover with fixed chokes. Useful for early-season quail and grouse.
Trusted Brands for Upland Game Ammunition
No matter the bird or terrain, your success in the field starts with reliable ammunition. At Ammunition Depot, we offer the most trusted upland hunting ammo brands, names that have earned their place in the hands of hunters for generations.
From light quail loads to hard-hitting pheasant shells, these brands deliver consistency, pattern precision, and dependable performance with every shot.
- A leader in innovation and reliability, Federal Premium offers some of the best upland game ammunition on the market.
- The Prairie Storm and Hi-Bird lines combine advanced wad technology and premium shot for tight, even patterns that perform flawlessly on everything from grouse to pheasants.
- Federal’s quality control and clean-burning powders ensure your shotgun stays consistent all season long.
- Blending Italian craftsmanship with American precision, Fiocchi has become a favorite among upland hunters seeking smooth performance and affordability.
- Their Field Dynamics and Golden Pheasant loads are renowned for their consistent velocities, dense patterns, and superior quality, perfect for dove, quail, or fast-flying partridge.
- Kent Cartridge has built its reputation around field-proven performance and innovation.
- The Kent Upland Fasteel and Ultimate Fast Lead series are engineered for high-velocity, hard-hitting shots that drop birds cleanly.
- Known for their consistency and precision, Kent loads perform exceptionally well for hunters who demand both power and reliability.
- A legacy name in American hunting, Remington has been trusted by upland hunters for generations.
- Their Pheasant Loads and Game Loads deliver proven accuracy, smooth cycling, and dense shot patterns that perform in every condition.
- Whether you’re walking cornfields or chasing quail in the brush, Remington shells bring dependable results to every hunt.
- Known for high-performance and value, Rio Ammunition produces upland hunting loads that combine speed, consistency, and versatility.
- Their Game Load and Royal Pheasant lines are crafted for smooth performance and dependable ignition, making them a favorite for high-volume dove or mixed upland bird hunts.
- Few names in the shooting world carry as much heritage as Winchester.
- Their Super Pheasant, Rooster XR, and AA Diamond Grade lines represent the pinnacle of upland hunting ammo, offering exceptional velocity, tight patterns, and proven knockdown power.
- Winchester continues to set the standard for quality and performance in every shell they produce.
Lead, Steel, and Bismuth Shot Options
When it comes to upland hunting ammunition, choosing the right shot material makes all the difference in the field.
Each option (lead, steel, or bismuth) offers unique advantages that affect performance, pattern density, and ethical effectiveness. The right choice depends on your hunting environment, target species, and personal preference for balance between tradition and modern innovation.
Lead Shot has long been the classic choice for upland game hunting.
It’s dense, soft, and delivers exceptional energy transfer, resulting in quick, humane kills on birds like pheasants, quail, and grouse. Lead also provides excellent pattern uniformity, making it ideal for hunters who prioritize consistent accuracy at moderate ranges.
However, in areas where lead is restricted, hunters must switch to approved non-toxic shot alternatives.
Steel Shot is the most common non-toxic upland option, offering affordability and compliance with federal and state regulations. While steel is lighter than lead, modern engineering has improved its performance dramatically.
When paired with higher velocities and tighter chokes, steel loads like Kent Upland Fasteel and Winchester Xpert Steel deliver reliable penetration and dense patterns out to 35–40 yards. Bismuth Shot bridges the gap between traditional and non-toxic performance.
Denser and softer than steel, bismuth upland loads closely mimic lead’s ballistic behavior while remaining safe for older shotguns.
Brands such as HEVI-Bismuth and Federal Bismuth provide outstanding lethality and consistent pattern density, perfect for pheasants, partridge, or mixed-bag upland hunts where versatility counts.
Whether you hunt open plains, rolling hills, or thick coverts, understanding your shot material options ensures optimal performance and compliance wherever you roam. From classic lead upland shells to high-performance bismuth alternatives, choosing the right load keeps you prepared for any bird and every hunt.
Building a Complete Upland Game Setup
For seasoned hunters, ammunition is only one part of the equation. A complete kit includes:
- Ammunition Selection: Premium shotgun shells that deliver consistent patterns and reliable knockdown power for upland game.
- Chokes: Carry a small set. Cylinder, Skeet, IC, and Modified cover most upland days.
- Optics: Quality binoculars and rangefinders to help locate and judge game before taking the shot.
- Cutting Tools: Quality skinning and processing knives for efficient field work.
- Game Handling Gear: Meat bags, tarps, and gloves to keep harvests clean and cool.
- Scent Control: Sprays, clothing, and storage solutions to reduce detection.
- Calls and Decoys: Species-specific tools for bringing game into range.
- Clothing: Layered, weather-ready garments built for the terrain and season.
- Dog Gear: GPS or beeper collars, whistles, and training aids.
Upland Game Hunting Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is Upland Game Hunting Ammunition?
ANSWER: Upland Game Hunting Ammunition is specifically designed for pursuing fast-flying and quick-moving birds such as pheasants, quail, grouse, doves, and partridge. These loads are engineered for consistent patterns, moderate recoil, and balanced power, providing clean, ethical kills without excessive meat damage.
QUESTION: What are the best gauges and calibers for Upland Game Hunting?
ANSWER: The most common Upland Game Calibers and Gauges include 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and 28 gauge, each offering excellent versatility. The 12 gauge delivers power and range for pheasants or chukar, while the 20 gauge provides lighter recoil and quick handling for quail or grouse. For those who prefer a lightweight setup, 28 gauge and .410 bore are perfect for smaller birds and close-range shooting.
QUESTION: What shot sizes should I use for upland birds?
ANSWER: Choosing the right shot size for upland hunting depends on your target species:
- Pheasant - #4, #5, or #6
- Quail or Dove - #7½ or #8
- Grouse or Partridge - #6 or #7½
Using the proper shot size ensures dense patterns and effective energy transfer, giving you cleaner harvests and less game damage.
QUESTION: Can I use steel or bismuth shot for Upland Game?
ANSWER: Yes, especially if you’re hunting in areas that restrict lead. Steel shot is the most affordable and widely available non-toxic option, while bismuth shot offers near-lead performance and is safe for older shotguns. Bismuth upland loads are ideal for hunters who want high lethality and compliance with non-toxic regulations without sacrificing performance.
QUESTION: What are the best brands for Upland Ammo?
ANSWER: Top Upland Ammo brands include Federal, Winchester, Kent Cartridge, Fiocchi, Remington, and Rio. Each brand offers premium lines like Federal Prairie Storm, Winchester Rooster XR, and Kent Ultimate Fast Lead, all designed to deliver tight, consistent patterns and dependable ignition in the field.
QUESTION: How do I choose the right load for my upland hunt?
ANSWER: Your choice of Upland Game Load depends on the species you’re targeting, your shotgun gauge, and your hunting environment. Open fields may require heavier loads for longer shots, while dense cover calls for lighter loads that open faster. Always pattern your shotgun before hunting to verify accuracy and pellet distribution at your typical shooting range.
QUESTION: Can I use the same ammo for different upland birds?
ANSWER: Sometimes, but not always. While #6 shot works well for many upland species, smaller birds like quail and dove perform best with lighter #7½ or #8 shot. Larger birds like pheasants need heavier shot for penetration and stopping power. For the best results, tailor your upland hunting ammunition to the species and habitat.
QUESTION: Do I need non-toxic upland ammo for all hunts?
ANSWER: Not necessarily. Lead shot is still legal for upland hunting in most areas, but some states and public lands require non-toxic ammunition. Always check your local hunting regulations before heading out, and consider switching to bismuth or steel upland ammo for a more eco-friendly approach.