Best Shotgun Shells for Waterfowl Hunting: Good, Better, and Best

Duck hunting is a cherished tradition across many regions of the United States. From the flooded timber of Arkansas to the Columbia River in Oregon, each area boasts its own unique techniques and culture. Over the past decade, the popularity of duck hunting has surged thanks to increased bag limits, longer seasons, and thriving duck populations.

Selecting the right shotshell for waterfowl hunting can be confusing for a multitude of reasons. Today we’ll explore how to choose the correct Remington Shotgun shell for your next outing by using a “Good, Better, Best” framework to highlight specific products. This information will help you make an informed choice when selecting a box of shells for your next hunt. This information is important because selecting the appropriate shotshell can mean the difference between filling your game strap, or watching ducks fly away with a few less feathers.

Good: Reliable and Affordable Waterfowl Shotgun Shells

For many duck hunters finding ways to save money is a priority because duck hunting can be expensive! If you're looking for quality shotshells at an affordable price, look no further than Remington's Sportsman Steel.

Available in various gauges, lengths, and payloads, Sportsman Steel is a versatile hunting cartridge. While the 12-gauge is the most popular choice, the 20-gauge is equally effective for duck and goose hunting. One of the biggest perks of Sportsman Steel is that you can find a box for around $25 and still reap the benefits of a high velocity load.

These steel shot loaded in this product comply with federal and state non-toxic shot laws, making Sportsman Steel an excellent choice for novice waterfowlers, frequent shooters, or anyone looking to save a bit of money.

Better: Mid-Range Shotgun Shells for Improved Performance

Next up is the Nitro Steel shotshell; a fantastic “Jack of All Trades” option for the seasoned hunter. This shell is perfect for nearly every type of hunt, whether you're targeting nimble Blue Winged Teal in September or the larger Canada Goose and Sandhill Cranes in January.

Nitro Steel features zinc-plated steel pellets, which provide consistent patterns and impressive retained energy on game. Additionally, the zinc plating protects your shot from rust in the wet conditions that waterfowl hunters commonly find themselves in. Do not be confused, even though the steel is zinc plated, it still meets the criteria for following federal and state non-toxic shot laws.

Nitro Steel box sitting on the ground during sunrise

With higher velocity, these shells make longer shots feel more manageable as well. Stepping into this “Better” category offers enhanced performance, greater consistency, and higher-quality materials. This is a perfect choice for hunters who want reliable results with every shot. Offered in 10-, 12-, 16-, and 20-gauge loads, Nitro Steel is sure to match your personal waterfowl preference.

Best: Premium Shotgun Shells for Serious Waterfowl Hunters

Now we reach the exciting part: premium shotshells designed for dedicated waterfowl hunters. Loads such as Nitro-Steel Duplex and steel alternatives; Premier Bismuth and Wingmaster HD, are favored for their heavy-hitting power and superior performance.

Bismuth and tungsten are becoming increasingly popular due to their improved densities and their performance at range. When comparing traditional steel, Bismuth comes in at 22% and tungsten comes in at 49% more dense. This translates to a punch that is like lead, delivering a significantly greater amount of downrange energy. It’s the ideal choice for longer shots and larger waterfowl, particularly late-season birds with thick down feathers. Being able to reach out and drop birds at a distance equals fuller straps, less missed shots, and more disbelief from your buddies after you fold a way-out bird.

Nitro Steel Duplex combines two sizes of steel shot for optimal performance at varying ranges. The stacked load offers superior pattern retention and knockdown power because the smaller pellets draft behind the larger ones in flight. The smaller pellets create dense patterns for close shots, while the larger pellets maintain energy for longer distances. This versatility is perfect for early-season hunts when a variety of birds may swing through your decoys, allowing you to handle everything from Teal to honkers without switching loads.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Shotshells

Shot Size

Selecting the appropriate shot size is crucial. Smaller pellets (higher-number sizes) work best for smaller birds, while larger pellets (lower-number sizes) are ideal for larger species. As a quick reference: #6-#4 for teal, #4-#1 for ducks, and #2-T for geese.

Wingmaster HD shotshell box and shotshells

Range and Distance

Choose a load that matches your expected shooting distance. A great way to do this is through scouting. Unless you know where the birds are, it is typically a good rule of thumb to scout a hunting spot to determine if it will provide results. During this time, you should be looking for fresh sign, birds, and observing the average shot distance. This can help fine tune your decisions when determining an appropriate load. Generally, use smaller shot sizes for close encounters and larger sizes for longer shots. Premium loads, like Premier Bismuth shotgun shells or our Hypersonic load, offer exceptional performance at extended ranges with higher density shot and higher velocity.

Premier Bismuth box next to a shotgun in a duck blind

Non-Toxic Shot Requirements

Federal regulations require waterfowl hunters to use non-toxic shot. Remington provides a wide selection of non-toxic shells made from steel, bismuth, and tungsten. As a waterfowl hunter, you must follow the rules and regulations because if you don’t, you will end up with a large ticket and a possible revoked license.

Nitro Steel Duplex being opened by a hunter

Why Choose Remington for Your Waterfowl Hunting Ammo?

Remington Ammunition is a 200+ year old brand that has a long-standing legacy of producing high-quality, American-made ammunition that hunters have trusted for generations. Their extensive lineup of waterfowl shotshells caters to all hunting applications and budgets, showcasing industry-leading innovation. From September Blue Winged Teal hunts to Spring Snow Goose, Remington has the right load to suit your hunting style.

About the Author

Josh Peck is a Remington ambassador who is passionate about everything waterfowl. Starting his waterfowl journey in his early years with some college buddies, Josh has used his water fowling skills and experience to create his YouTube channel, Outdoor Limits. Driven by his ambition to grow sport and educate hunters, Josh has expanded his channel to reach over 140,000 subscribers since its conception in 2014. Josh’s content ranges anything between gear reviews, how-to videos for waterfowl calling, DIY public land hunts, sneak boat hunts, and a boatload worth of other outdoor adventures.

“If you are looking to get into waterfowl hunting, the best thing you can do for yourself is find a mentor. Someone who is willing to take you out, introduce you to the sport, has the gear, and who can show you the basics is a great starting point and is something you should strive to do for someone else once you’ve become an experienced hunter. In college, my friends were my mentors.” – Josh Peck, founder of Outdoor Limits

“After getting a start, nothing beats time in the field. Like anything, you become better at something through experience and failing at first. Putting in hunting hours, doing research about your area, and trying new things is the best course of action.” – Josh Peck, founder of Outdoor Limits

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