Shop Top Waterfowl Ammo by Gauge
- 12 Gauge: The standard for waterfowl hunting. Wide ammo selection, adaptable to ducks and geese alike. Works well with 2¾", 3", and 3½" shells depending on target species.
- 20 Gauge: Lighter recoil, still effective with modern steel, bismuth, or tungsten loads. Excellent for decoying ducks or for hunters wanting a lighter gun.
- 28 Gauge: Growing in popularity with tungsten (TSS) and bismuth loads. Lightweight, mild recoil, and effective when shots are inside decoy range.
- 10 Gauge: Big bore, heavy payload option for geese and long-range waterfowling. Less common today but still favored by some for large birds and open water setups.
- 16 Gauge: Classic, middle-ground gauge. Less common but effective with modern non-toxic loads. Often carried by traditionalists or upland/waterfowl crossover hunters.
Proven Waterfowl Cartridges and Loads
Shot Materials at a Glance
- Steel: Widely available and affordable. Lowest density. Use larger shot sizes and smart chokes to maintain pattern and energy.
- Bismuth: Denser than steel and soft on barrels. Allows smaller shot sizes for more pellets and dense patterns.
- Tungsten and blends (TSS, tungsten matrix): Highest density and cost. Small pellets carry lethal energy far and pattern very tight. Great for specialty applications and sub-gauges.
Shell Lengths
- 2¾ inch: Manageable recoil. Excellent for decoying ducks and timber.
- 3 inch: The workhorse for most waterfowl hunts.
- 3½ inch: Extra payload for big geese or windy, open water at the cost of recoil. Only if your shotgun is chambered for it.
Choke Basics
- Improved Cylinder for tight timber and very close shots.
- Modified for most decoy work.
- Improved Modified when you need a bit more reach with bismuth or late-season birds. Always confirm on a pattern board.
Shop Trusted Waterfowl Ammo Brands
When you’re out in the blind before sunrise, your ammunition must perform flawlessly.
At Ammunition Depot, we carry the most trusted Waterfowl Ammo brands in the industry, names known for innovation, reliability, and ethical performance in even the toughest conditions.
Whether you prefer steel, bismuth, or tungsten, these manufacturers deliver consistent patterns, superior penetration, and clean, efficient harvests.
- A pioneer in non-toxic waterfowl ammunition, HEVI-Shot revolutionized modern duck and goose hunting with premium materials and superior density.
- Loads like HEVI-Metal Xtreme and HEVI-XII combine long-range accuracy with devastating knockdown power, giving hunters a cleaner, more ethical shot every time.
- Kent Cartridge has earned a loyal following among waterfowlers for its balance of affordability and performance.
- Their Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel and Bismuth Waterfowl lines are known for consistent velocity, tight patterns, and reliable cycling in all weather conditions, ideal for hunters who demand performance from the first flight to the last.
- Federal Premium sets the gold standard in waterfowl hunting ammo with its Black Cloud and Speed-Shok series.
- Utilizing technologies like Flitecontrol Flex wads and high-density non-toxic shot, Federal delivers optimal energy transfer and unmatched pattern consistency across a variety of gauges and conditions.
- Combining Italian craftsmanship with American precision, Fiocchi offers dependable waterfowl shotgun shells for hunters of all experience levels.
- Their Steel Warlock and Golden Waterfowl Bismuth lines feature smooth patterns, clean powder burns, and impressive downrange consistency for fast-moving ducks and geese.
- With generations of reliability behind its name, Remington continues to lead with innovative non-toxic waterfowl loads.
- The Hypersonic Steel and Premier Bismuth lines deliver blistering speeds and hard-hitting energy, ensuring consistent performance in freezing wetlands and open-water hunts alike.
- Few names in ammunition history carry as much respect as Winchester. Their Blind Side 2 and Xpert Steel series are engineered for dense, lethal patterns and dependability in wet, cold environments.
- For waterfowlers who value versatility and proven performance, Winchester remains a top choice season after season.
Building a Complete Waterfowl Game Kit
- Ammunition Selection: Use non-toxic shot as required by law. Steel #2-#4 is a solid starting point for ducks. Bismuth or tungsten shot extends range and penetration, especially for geese.
- Optics: Quality binoculars and rangefinders to help locate and judge game before taking the shot.
- Cutting tools: Compact skinning and processing knife with a small sharpener.
- Game handling Gear: Light gloves, a breathable game bag, a few paper towels, and a zip-top bag for hearts and livers.
- Clothing: Quiet, weather-ready layers. Add blaze orange as required by local law.
- Scent Control: Sprays, clothing, and storage solutions to reduce detection.
- Calls and Decoys: Species-specific tools for bringing game into range.
- Shotgun Care: Bore snakes, oils, and dry bags for shells. Keep everything clean and rust free.
- Dog Gear: GPS or beeper collars, whistles, and training aids.
Know your regulations. Some public lands require non-toxic shot, and certain seasons restrict firearms or shot sizes.
Choose the Right Non-Toxic Shot Material
When it comes to waterfowl hunting, your shot material matters as much as your aim. Federal regulations require non-toxic shot for all waterfowl hunting, but today’s options go far beyond standard steel.
Modern non-toxic waterfowl ammunition offers hunters a variety of materials, each engineered to balance velocity, density, and downrange performance for clean, ethical harvests.
Steel shot is the most common and affordable non-toxic option. It delivers reliable patterns at moderate ranges and performs best when paired with higher velocities and tighter chokes.
However, because steel is less dense than lead, it loses energy faster, making shot placement and range estimation critical. For hunters seeking premium performance, bismuth and tungsten-based loads (like TSS) offer superior density and downrange energy.
Bismuth shot closely replicates the performance of traditional lead while remaining soft enough for older shotguns. Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), the densest of all non-toxic materials, produces devastating penetration and extended effective range, perfect for long shots over open water.
Selecting the right non-toxic shot type depends on your hunting style, target species, and typical shooting distances.
Short-range marsh hunters may prefer economical steel, while those pursuing geese or late-season divers will benefit from the added weight and penetration of bismuth or tungsten.
No matter the material, pattern your shotgun with your chosen load to ensure consistent, ethical performance in the blind.
Why Non-Toxic Shot Matters
When hunting ducks, geese, and other migratory birds, using non-toxic shot isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a critical part of ethical and sustainable waterfowl hunting.
Lead shot was once the standard, but over time, it was proven to contaminate wetlands and harm wildlife. Today, non-toxic waterfowl ammunition gives hunters an environmentally responsible way to maintain tradition while protecting the ecosystems they love.
Non-toxic shot materials like steel, bismuth, and tungsten provide outstanding performance without the harmful effects of lead. Steel shot is the most common choice, affordable, effective, and widely available.
For hunters seeking more range and power, bismuth and Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) deliver higher density and superior energy retention, ensuring cleaner, more ethical kills even at extended distances.
Using non-toxic waterfowl ammo also helps preserve wetlands and aquatic food chains by preventing lead accumulation in the soil and water. This protects not only ducks and geese but also fish, shorebirds, and predators that rely on the same environment.
Responsible hunters recognize that choosing the right shot type helps ensure healthy habitats for future generations.
By switching to lead-free waterfowl loads, you’re doing more than following the law, you’re supporting conservation, cleaner harvests, and the long-term sustainability of the sport.
Every shell fired with non-toxic material is a step toward a healthier, more responsible future for waterfowl hunting.
Waterfowl Hunting Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is Waterfowl Hunting Ammunition?
ANSWER: Waterfowl Hunting Ammunition is specifically designed for hunting ducks, geese, and other migratory birds. These shells use non-toxic materials such as steel, bismuth, or tungsten to meet federal regulations and ensure clean, ethical harvests. The right waterfowl ammo delivers tight patterns, consistent velocity, and reliable penetration even in harsh weather conditions.
QUESTION: Why do I need Non-Toxic Shot for Waterfowl Hunting?
ANSWER: Federal law requires all waterfowl hunters to use non-toxic shot to protect wetland ecosystems from lead contamination. Options like steel, bismuth, and Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) provide excellent performance while remaining environmentally safe. Choosing lead-free waterfowl loads helps preserve habitats for ducks, geese, and future generations of hunters.
QUESTION: What are the best Waterfowl Calibers and Gauges?
ANSWER: The most popular Waterfowl Gauges are 12 gauge and 20 gauge, both offering the right balance of power, pattern density, and versatility. 10 gauge shells are preferred for long-range goose hunting, while 28 gauge and .410 bore are gaining traction for their lightweight, low-recoil performance when paired with premium TSS loads.
QUESTION: What shot sizes work best for ducks and geese?
ANSWER: For duck hunting, common shot sizes include #2, #3, and #4 steel, or #5–#7 bismuth/TSS for denser materials. For geese, hunters often choose BB, #1, or #2 steel, or #4–#5 tungsten for greater penetration and extended range. The ideal waterfowl load depends on your target species, hunting range, and choke setup.
QUESTION: What are the differences between Steel, Bismuth, and TSS Waterfowl Ammo?
ANSWER: Differences Include
- Steel: The most affordable and widely available non-toxic option. Great for short to mid-range shots.
- Bismuth: Softer and denser than steel, offering lead-like performance that’s safe for older shotguns.
- TSS (Tungsten Super Shot): The most advanced material, offering unmatched density, pattern consistency, and downrange energy.
Each shot type has its place, choose based on your typical hunting distances and budget.
QUESTION: What are the best brands for Waterfowl Ammo?
ANSWER: Top Waterfowl Hunting Ammunition brands include HEVI-Shot, Federal, Kent Cartridge, Remington, Fiocchi, and Winchester. Popular loads like Federal Black Cloud, HEVI-Metal Xtreme, and Winchester Blind Side 2 offer dependable ignition, consistent velocity, and lethal downrange performance for ducks and geese alike.
QUESTION: How should I pattern my shotgun for Waterfowl Hunting?
ANSWER: Before the season starts, pattern your shotgun at 30–40 yards using your chosen waterfowl ammo and choke. Look for consistent pellet distribution across the target’s vital zone. Every gun and load combination performs differently, testing ensures cleaner, more ethical kills and helps you determine your maximum effective range.
QUESTION: Can I use regular hunting ammo for waterfowl?
ANSWER: No, lead shot is prohibited for all waterfowl hunting in the U.S. due to its environmental impact. Always use non-toxic waterfowl loads such as steel, bismuth, or tungsten-based shells to stay compliant and protect wetland ecosystems.