What Size Shot Should I Use for Waterfowl?

Summary

• #2 and #3 steel shot are all-around shot size for ducks – great balance of pattern density and killing power.
• BB or BBB is ideal for geese, especially at longer ranges or in open areas.
• Smaller shot like #4 is good for early season teal and wood ducks at close range.
• Premium shot like bismuth or tungsten lets you use smaller sizes effectively due to higher density and energy.

What’s the Best Shot Size for Waterfowl? It Depends

Choosing the right shot size means balancing pattern density, pellet energy, and your hunting conditions. Whether you’re jump shooting teal or pass shooting Canada geese, shot size matters more than many realize.

Ducks: Go-To Shot Sizes by Situation

Early Season (Teal, Wood Ducks, Close Range)

• Best Shot Size: #4 or #6 steel
• Why: Smaller ducks, typically close shots under 30 yards.
• Pros: High pattern density improves hit probability.
• Cons: Limited lethality at longer ranges or on larger birds.

Late Season (Mallards, Divers, Higher Shots)

• Best Shot Size: #2 or #1 steel
• Why: Late-season birds often have thicker feathers and fat layers from migration. Plus, you’re usually taking longer shots—30–45 yards is common.
• Pros: Larger shot carries more energy for cleaner kills at range.
• Cons: Fewer pellets per shell = less pattern density. Requires good shooting and patterning.

Big Ducks (Mallards, Gadwalls, Pintails)

• Best Shot Size: #2 steel is the standard
• Why: Great balance for medium ducks out to 40 yards
• Alternatives:
  • #3 steel for slightly tighter patterns
  • #1 or #2 bismuth for improved lethality
• Tip: Use #1 or #2 tungsten for extended range or tough birds—fewer pellets needed for clean kills.

Geese: You’ll Need Bigger Pellets

Canada Geese

• Best Shot Size: BB or BBB steel
• Why: You need deep penetration through feathers and bone.
• Use: Ideal for field hunts or pass shooting at 30–50 yards.
• Premium Option: #1 or BB bismuth or tungsten offers similar power with better patterns.

Snow Geese

• Best Shot Size: #1 or BB steel
• Why: They’re lighter than Canadas but still require solid knockdown.
• Tip: If decoying at 20–30 yards, you can get away with #2 steel.

Steel vs Bismuth or Tungsten

• You can go 1–2 shot sizes smaller with bismuth or tungsten and still get equal or better performance.
• Example: #4 tungsten ≈ #2 steel in lethality.

Consider Shot Distance Too

Pellet energy drops fast beyond 40 yards. Here’s a general rule:

• <30 yards: You can go smaller (e.g., #4)
• 30–40 yards: #2 steel or #3 bismuth is ideal
• 40+ yards: BB or tungsten loads

Tip: Pattern your gun at hunting ranges – many loads shoot tighter or looser than you’d expect.

Final Recommendations

• One load for all ducks? #2 or #3 steel.
• Hunting geese too? BB steel or #1 bismuth.
• Close-range teal shoot? #4 steel or #6 bismuth.
• Max performance budget load? #3 bismuth – kills ducks and geese with minimal recoil and good