what is the best shotgun shell for duck hunting

What is the best shotgun shell for duck hunting?

• 1) Kent Upland FastSteel. Kent makes a great waterfowl shell in their Upland FastSteel option.
• 2) Kent Tungsten-Matrix.
• 3) Federal Premium Black Cloud.
• 4) Winchester Blind Side.
• 5) Remington HyperSonic Steel.

Full Answer

Which shotgun is the best for ducks?

The Best Duck Hunting Shotguns

• Pump Action Shotguns. The Remington 870 is as classic as it gets, ready to take on any job asked of it, including bagging ducks.
• Semi-Auto Shotguns. No matter what style of Super Black Eagle you choose it's bound to get the job done. ...
• Over/Under Shotguns. ...
• Conclusion. ...

What is the best ammo for duck hunting?

The 10 Best Shotgun Loads for Waterfowl Hunting

1. HeviX. HeviShot HeviX. ...
2. Black Cloud TSS. Federal Black Cloud TSS. ...
3. Federal Speed Shok. Federal Speed Shok. ...
4. Boss Bismuth. Boss Bismuth. ...
5. Remington Wingmaster HD. Remington Wingmaster HD. ...
6. Winchester DryLok. Winchester DryLok. ...
7. Kent Tungsten-Matrix. Kent Tungsten-Matrix. ...
8. Backridge ITX. Bckridge ITX. ...
9. Rio Blue Steel. Rio Blue Steel. ...
10. Apex TSS. ...

What are the best duck hunting shells?

• Very powerful
• Accepts large, 3 ½-inch shells
• Wide spread
• Good recoil absorption

Which shotgun is best?

The Mossberg 500 is one of the best shotguns for hunting and home defense. In fact: I’ve been using a Mossberg 500 for self-defense for as long as I can remember. And I have to say: It’s never let me down.

What kind of shotgun shells do you use for duck hunting?

HEVI-Shot HEVI-METAL This is duck-killing ammo. The HEVI-Shot brand is popular for all waterfowl and for a good reason. It patterns well for most hunters and is relatively easy to find. The most lethal combination is the three-inch shell with a one and a quarter ounce load and BB size shot.

What size shell is best for duck hunting?

Most waterfowlers eschew 2 ¾-inch shells simply because of the limited amount of shot and charge. Three-inch shells are most common, while 3½-inch shells hold the most shot, but also generate more recoil for the hunter. Both of the larger loads deliver the best patterns when fired from a 12-gauge or 10-gauge.

What shot size for ducks 12-gauge?

3 ½-inchLarger ducks like mallards have dense feathers and a will to live that has annoyed many a hunter over the years. Black Cloud FS Steel 12 gauge 3 ½-inch loads with a 1 ½-ounce payload of No. 2s crumple big ducks, and should the occasional goose swing into your spread, these shells will handle the job.

What size steel shot is best for duck hunting?

140") & HEVI-Shot #4 (. 130”) the best all-around performance for taking ducks; steel #2 & HEVI-Shot #4 (. 130”) the best all-around performance for taking ring-necked pheasants; & steel 7's (.

What is the best choke for duck hunting?

A modified choke tube (0.020”) is the best choke size for duck hunting. It allows for all-around performance for both decoying and passing shots. All types of shot and shot sizes can be put through a modified choke tube with no issues. Full chokes are specialized chokes for long distance shots only.

How many boxes of shells do you need for duck hunting?

For ducks I usually bring two boxes.

What is the best waterfowl ammo?

Here's a list of 10 duck and goose loads that won't fail you.HeviX. HeviShot HeviX. ... Black Cloud TSS. Federal Black Cloud TSS. ... Federal Speed Shok. Federal Speed Shok. ... Boss Bismuth. Boss Bismuth. ... Remington Wingmaster HD. Remington Wingmaster HD. ... Winchester DryLok. Winchester DryLok. ... Kent Tungsten-Matrix. ... Backridge ITX.More items...•

What is the best cartridge for duck shooting?

A competitive cartridge for most duck shooting situations. Eley VIP Steel are a firm favourite with duck shooters. The 2¾in shells come in boxes of 25 and are available in a range of different loads and shot sizes, including 28g 5s, 32g 3s and 36g 5s.

Is 3 shot good for ducks?

Choke and Load Recommendations Size 2 shot is a versatile load for situations in which you might encounter geese as well as ducks; otherwise 3 shot is a good all-purpose duck pellet. At ranges inside 40 yards, BB, 1, or 2 shot are good for geese; 2 or 3 shot works well on ducks.

Is 2 shot or 4 shot better for ducks?

BUT… the reality is, the vast majority of ducks are harvested between 20 and 40 yards away. At 30 yards: #4 is the best shot size for ducks at 30 yards away. Their pellets have enough energy (3.5 foot-pounds) to penetrate a duck's feathers and skin and have the most pellets within a 30” circle (51% more than #2's).

Is 6 shot too small for ducks?

6 shot in a 2¾-inch housing. Ballistics data indicated that at about 35 yards, this load loses effective killing power on ducks.

What is the best shot size for wood ducks?

If you are hunting smaller birds primarily, such as teals, gadwalls, wood ducks, wigeons, or scaups (to name a few), you are going to have better odds with a higher shot size, most commonly 3 or 4. If you are hoping to take larger ducks like mallards & canvasbacks, then you need to be using 1 or 2 shot.

HEVI-Shot HEVI-METAL

Don't take this ammo for rabbit hunting. This is duck-killing ammo. The HEVI-Shot brand is popular for all waterfowl and for a good reason. It patterns well for most hunters and is relatively easy to find. The most lethal combination is the three-inch shell with a one and a quarter ounce load and BB size shot.

FEDERAL SPEED-Shok

Load up the hunting dogs because it's time to shoot ducks. This clean-burning ammo is great for semi-auto shotguns that tend to jam before the duck hunt is over. You will find the three-inch shell with a one and a quarter ounce load and number 2 shot is great for ducks close over decoys.

HEVI-Shot HEVI-HAMMER

Deer hunters looking for deer hunting tips turn to technology for an edge. The technology behind this shell looks great on paper and its performance in the field is top-notch. It seems that every duck hunt you go on, someone is using HEVI-HAMMER.

WINCHESTER Blind Side

The new hex cut shot does more damage and is more lethal than the traditionally cut shot. The high packing density technology of the Blind Side stacks 15 percent more pellets per shell, and the diamond cut wad increases the kill zone dramatically. You are probably familiar with the Drylok technology that Winchester uses in other ammo.

REMINGTON HyperSonic STEEL

At 1,700 feet-per-second, the HyperSonic is the fastest shotgun shell on the market. It uses a special accelerator wad to maintain velocity and claims to reduce the lead on a duck by eight inches at 40 yards. That is subjective, of course, but the three-inch #2 shot with a one and one-quarter ounce load is deadly on fast-moving teal.

Establish a Pattern

All of the shotgun shells we mentioned above will kill ducks and geese. Before you buy a case of any shotgun shells, you should buy a few shells from different manufacturers and see how your shotgun performs. It seems every shotgun has its own preference regarding shotgun shells.

Doing Your Homework

Every duck hunt has that guy who seems to have the edge over everyone else. Everyone marvels at him and dismisses him as a natural. Odds are, he has done his homework and knows what shotgun and shotgun shell combination works for him. Sure, he may change things up if he is hunting teal one week and mallards the next.

Why are steel loads better than other types of guns?

Steel loads have better primers, better powders, wads that protect most gun barrels, and they’re sealed at both ends to stay dry inside. They’re faster, and they’re loaded with appropriate shot sizes to make the most out of steel’s pros (efficient patterning) and cons (poor energy retention).

Does lead kill ducks?

I have shot just enough lead at ducks—at the tail end of the lead era, and on trips to South America—that I can tell you it kills ducks better than steel does. But, lead isn’t Kryptonite. Those old-timers conveniently forget they lost birds with lead sometimes, too. And, I’ve shot a bunch of steel at waterfowl since then, and plenty of the premium non-toxics, too. If you understand how to choose shot sizes and chokes, steel loads perform just fine out to 40 yards or a bit more. If you can afford premium non-toxics and can shoot straight, you can kill birds to ranges where most people have no business shooting.

Do steel pellets protect gun barrels?

The way those disgruntled old-timers told it, you could hear steel pellets rattling off of a bird’s wing feathers. That wasn’t true then, and it’s certainly not after thirty years of improvements. Steel loads have better primers, better powders, wads that protect most gun barrels, and they’re sealed at both ends to stay dry inside. They’re faster, and they’re loaded with appropriate shot sizes to make the most out of steel’s pros (efficient patterning) and cons (poor energy retention).

Was Bismuth shot brittle?

Compared to the wimpy steel loads of the time, bismuth shot was deadly, and it brought a lot of great older guns back to the duck blind. It wasn’t perfect. The pellets were brittle. Some would shatter in the hull with the force of ignition, others would break up when they struck bone.

What ammo is best for duck hunting?

The Rio 12 gauge ammo is one of the best options for duck and geese hunting because it packs a lethal punch while still being non-toxic so it’s a great choice for hunting in the wind and wetland conditions. The ammo has a high-velocity spherical shot with tight patterns up to 1,500 fps. It comes in multiple shot sizes from BBB to 7 which provides duck hunters a wide variety of choices to ensure you find the right ammo for your needs.

What ammo to use to kill geese?

One of the greatest from Federal Premium would have to be the Black Cloud TSS. These are high-profile, expensive ammo so most people won’t go for them but if you’re looking for the cream of the crop when it comes to taking down geese, these are it. They come with a 60/40 steel tungsten blend with a flight control wad to help keep your shot pattern on point. They also feature a catalyst lead-free primer and a clean-burning propellant that won’t mess with your barrel. The most common offerings are the small 7 and 9s but they can increase to a 3-inch shell. When it all comes down, these are a great choice for stopping geese at long range.

What is a tungsten super shot?

Apex specialized in the high-density tungsten super shot (TSS). They use an 18.1 g/cc density tungsten alloy which results in more shots for the same weight. You’ll get an improved down-range shot, consistent patterns, and high-density which is beautiful for waterfowl hunting. Best of all, this is an American Veteran owned and operated company with a huge selection of US-made, non-toxic, shotgun shells.

What do you need to kill a sea duck?

To take down a big Canada or Sea Duck you’ll need tungsten-steel pellets because these pack a heavy punch. These cost more than your run-of-the-mill shells but they’re what you need to guarantee a clean kill.

What is non toxic bullet?

These non-toxic rounds are 24 percent denser than steel and offer incredible wind resistance which is exactly what you need when firing into a tough crosswind. They burn clean and are safe in any choke so they won’t harm your barrel. Not to mention the fact that they have great knock-down power to take down any size fowl from medium-sized ducks to large geese. These are uniform pellets that are soft as lead but provide great patterns even at long distances. With a custom blend of powders that delivers optimal performance, you’ll get exactly what you want from this ammunition.

Why are Hevix rounds so popular?

These compressed-tungsten rounds are popular because of their density and power. One thing that gives these loads the advantage over many others is that they’re a mid-range tungsten-based load so they are affordable but still pack the punch necessary to take down waterfowl. The HeviX rounds are great at killing at long range and while they might look like rejects off the assembly line, they’re still blended with a density slightly less than lead at an affordable price that won’t make your eyes bug out of your head.

Is steel ammo better for waterfowl?

Today, steel loads are much better. They’re made with improved powder, better primer, and they’re properly sealed to prevent water from getting in. In this article, we’re taking a look at some of the best shot gun ammo for waterfowl hunting.

What size shotgun do you use for waterfowl?

BOSS waterfowling shot shells are available in 2 3/4-inch to 3-inch sizes, with 1-ounce to 1 1/2-ounce payloads, for .410, 28-gauge, 20-gauge, 16-gauge and 12-gauge shotguns, in shot Nos. 7 to 2. For smaller ducks, No. 7 may work, but your average waterfowlers are most likely to be after No. 4 or No. 2 shot. Across BOSS Shot Shells’ waterfowl lineup, velocity is consistently reported at 1,350 fps, and all ammo boasts copper-plated bismuth for increased density and improved patterns.

What gauge shotgun is best for a small framed shooter?

With a roundup chock full of 12-gauge options, it’s worth digging into a shotgun option with a tad more less recoil, perfect for smaller-framed shooters or simply a more comfortable shooting experience without sacrificing the ability to pluck upland birds of all sizes from the air. Sitting at the top of Federal Premium’s popular 20-gauge offerings, you’ll find Wing-Shok Magnum. 20-gauge Wing-Shok Magnum shells boast copper-plated lead shot, brass-plated heads, buffered shot for tight patterning, shot charges of 1 1⁄8- to 1 1/4-ounce, 2 3/4- to 3-inch shells and shot sizes of 4 and 6.

What size ammo do you need for a 12 gauge shotgun?

Winchester XR Lok’d and Lethal ammo is available for 12-gauge shotguns in 2 3⁄4-inch shells with 1,300 fps velocity and 3-inch shells with up to 1,450 fps velocity. Rooster XR loads are quite respectable at 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 ounce, and available shot sizes are 4, 5 and 6 — ideal for pheasants, quail and other upland game birds.

What is a Hevi shot?

Designed specifically for upland bird hunting with 12- and 20-gauge shotguns, Hevi-Shot Hevi-Metal Pheasant ammo combines Hevi-Shot’s Pattern-Density Technology with innovative pellet layering, first with steel shot and then layered with the company’s proprietary denser-than-lead Hevi-Shot pellets. While Hevi-Shot’s Hevi-Metal Pheasant ammo is encased in 2 3/4-inch shells, 20-gauge shells feature a charge weight of 7⁄8-ounce and produce muzzle velocity of 1,300 fps. Hevi-Shot’s more popular 12-gauge loads boast a 1 1⁄8-ounce payload and blazing velocity of 1,500 fps. Both 12- and 20-gauge offerings are available in shot sizes of 4 and 5. While Hevi-Shot is commonly a bit pricier, your Hevi-Shot turkey hunting customers are sure to flock to your door for similar upland bird harvesting results.

What ammo does Remington use?

Let’s be honest: Remington definitely knows firearms, actions and ammunition, including upland game bird shells — case in point, the Remington Nitro Pheasant ammo.

What ammo is best for a pheasant?

Remington Nitro Pheasant ammo combines the company’s proprietary Copper-Lokt Technology (copper-plated lead shot) with a high concentration of antimony to produce the hardest lead shot I know of. The harder pellets eliminate deforming, producing tighter grouping and harder-hitting, deeper-penetrating results even at longer distances — a central theme to this roundup and certainly a welcome feature for any serious upland bird hunter.

Why is it important to offer a wide variety of shotshell choices?

It’s important to offer a wide variety of shotshell choices to ensure proper cycling in semiautos and effective performance on pheasants, ducks and geese.