Waterfowl hunters today have a wide range of options available when selecting the required type of shotgun ammunition shells. Choosing the right type of shot and loads can confuse many, especially those new to hunting. This post can help you understand the various types of waterfowl ammo available and explain where they can excel. We will also see how to balance the velocity, payload, and pellet count, which are vital considerations that must be adjusted according to your location and hunting style.
Waterfowl hunting is not a one-size-fits-all activity; the same is true with waterfowl ammo. You need to first decide your desire and need from the ammunition. Many manufacturers work tirelessly to develop and refine waterfowl ammunition products so that you get the right load for any waterfowl hunting application. So let’s see the various types of shotgun ammunition that can be used for waterfowl hunting.
Table of Contents
Steel Shot Ammunition
This is the most sought-after option that has stood the test of time. It has shot more ducks and geese in recent decades than any other ammunition shell. Steel shots have a density of 7.8 grams per cubic centimeter and are lighter than Bismuth and Tungsten Matrix when weighed on a scale. They are also harder than the metal that the chokes and barrels are made of.
Hence, you should only use choke and barrel combinations with steel shots. The steel loads usually use shot pellets that are in perfect uniformity of size and roundness. This produces uniform patterns downrange. Some manufacturers have steel shots to the same tolerances as precision steel but also add zinc plating to the pellets in order to increase corrosion resistance.
Steel shots are perfect for ethical waterfowl ammunition hunting ranges. However, its baseline of 7.8g/cc density produces energy that causes a little faster bleeding than denser alternatives. But this is compensated by using larger shot sizes. Most hunters use No.6, 5, or 4 lead shots for ducks of comparable size. But the performance of steel shots in flight makes it necessary to use No. 2, 3, or 4 shot sizes for ducks. The rule is to go for two sizes smaller for waterfowl.
Bismuth
This is another outstanding choice for many waterfowlers. Bismuth shots have a density of 9.6 g/cc, allowing them to retain energy when in flight, even over longer distances, and their softness provides greater malleability, which is important to deliver impact energy into the hunt. This combination gives Bismuth shots several advantages.
Bismuth has 24% greater density than steel, which means you can choose two smaller shot sizes to deliver equal energy to steel. Most hunters choose No. 4 Bismuth shots for waterfowling. The smaller shot size gives more pellets per shot, and a denser pattern, hence, a greater probability of a lethal pellet hit.
Due to its malleability, Bismuth ammunition pellets somewhat deform on impact as they put lethal energy into waterfowl. This eventually makes the knockdown power of Bismuth outstanding. It also has a greater density, making it less vulnerable to wind drift, thus enhancing accuracy. Bismuth shots respond well to choke constriction as they are not as hard as steel. Hence they can be used for most shotgun barrels and chokes.
Tungsten Matrix
This is the only approved non-toxic ammunition shot that matches the properties of lead, both physical and ballistic. The tungsten matrix shows a uniform blend of optimal density, softness, and shape. Most of the shots available are mixes of nickel and iron with tungsten in order to attain the desired density. Some manufacturers also combine pure tungsten powder with a special polymer binder in a patented mix.
This produces pellets that match the malleability and density of lead shots and result in superior pellet uniformity, an essential element in excellent pattern downrange. Tungsten matrix pellets can cut through the wind with minimal susceptibility to wind drift. This increases the density of tungsten shots more than steel shots, which means hunters can go for shots two sizes smaller than steel shots while maintaining per-pellet energy.
It also means more air pellets per shot and greater pattern density and softness similar to lead. Hence, these shots are used in fixed-choke firearms and chokes ranging from full to improved cylinders. Tungsten pellets also begin to flatten on impact with water flow to deliver outstanding impact energy.
Load Selection
When choosing the right shotgun ammunition shell load for a waterfowl hunt, there are many factors to consider. There should be an optimal balance between the shot type, payload, shot size, and velocity concerning the species you will be hunting, the site setup, the hunt location, and the kind of shotgun you wish to use. The most important factors that affect your load selection include the species, weather conditions, and hunting location.
Bottom Line
We hope this guide has made it easier for you to know the types of waterfowl ammunition on offer and select the load that best suits your needs. Manufacturers offer various types of shotgun shells for waterfowl hunting that can help every hunter and situation.
