In varmint calibers, AccuTip-V combines superb flight characteristics and match-grade accuracy with a design optimized for explosive on-game results.
More than just an all-new cartridge, the compact design represents an entirely new class of ammunition engineered for absolute performance by every measure.
Remington Nitro Steel Duplex is loaded with two sizes of steel shot, providing ultimate performance at close ranges in the timber or out further in a field.
Featuring our new and improved rimfire technology, each round offers Premier high performance in your gun and on target.
The same great lubricant since 1913, the advanced formula cleans, lubricates and protects your valuable firearms so they'll keep running smoothly and looking like new.
Developed with shooters of every experience level in mind, these in-house designed bags were built for convenience, protection, and accessibility.
The right duck hunting ammo is as important as your decoy spread, your hide, and the leaky waders you avoid... The shell you choose ultimately affects your ability to knock’em down when they finally cup up and commit. The last thing you want to do is have a shell not up for the job. Since the late 1980s, waterfowl hunters have been required to use non-toxic shot, which shifted the entire market from lead to steel.
Fast forward, that regulation not only helped conserve our wetlands, but it also opened the door for waterfowl load innovation. You’ll now find duck shells in steel, bismuth, tungsten, and blends of those metals. They all perform differently from a ballistic standpoint, but they all revolve around the same goal. Knock ‘em down and fill your limit – and all of them can do so effortlessly…as long as you’re thorough in your load selection.
Whether you’re just starting out in the world of waterfowling or just want to optimize your waterfowl gun, waterfowl ammo selection is an easy lever to pull to improve your effectiveness. Before buying new gear, dedicate some time to the following: Learn how different shells behave. Learn what your gun likes. Sharpen your shooting skills with sporting clays. This article breaks down proper ammo selection and will get you darn close to what performs best for your scenario. What do you have to do next? Continue reading with us, then shoot for yourself!
Most waterfowl hunters begin with steel loads. It’s affordable, easy to find, available in a heap of loads, and is deadly with proper choke and shot size. At its core, steel is harder than lead but less dense. This means its pellets slow down faster and with less resistance compared to lead of the same shot size.
Bismuth loads are a step up; it’s denser than steel. Higher-density pellets retain more energy downrange, increasing your effectiveness at range. Higher energy also makes it viable to use smaller shot sizes without sacrificing performance.
At the top end are tungsten loads or blended tungsten loads. Tungsten is much denser than lead, bismuth, and steel. Its denser pellets fly farther, hit harder, and resist wind drift the best. The trade-off is cost. Tungsten duck ammo can run several dollars per shell, but for hunters taking longer shots or targeting bigger ducks, it’s worth considering. It's also helpful to be a good shot! Make sure you get that round of sporting clays in!
Steel = affordable and reliable
Bismuth = middle ground with better downrange performance
Tungsten and tungsten-steel blend = premier product, long-range punch
You can buy duck ammo online or at your local retailer, but you won’t know how it performs for you until you burn powder and get pellets on paper. Remember, all guns and chokes perform differently, even with the same shell.
Your gauge and shell length play a part in the amount of felt recoil, how dense your pattern is, how versatile you can be, and how easy it is to find ammo. Matching the correct gauge specifications for your hunting style is key. Shell length matters too. A longer shell is generally loaded with heavier payloads, which can increase the felt recoil. Choose the gauge and length at which you can shoot comfortably and pattern well.
12 Gauge Duck Ammo
Arguably, the most versatile choice for waterfowl hunting is the 12-gauge; it offers the widest selection of loads, making it ideal for all migratory bird hunts. Hands down. Expect Shell lengths to range from 2-3/4” to 3-1/2”, with payloads varying from 1oz to a hefty 1-3/4oz. Muzzle velocities begin around 1,300 FPS and can top out at 1,700 FPS. Many argue that if you could pick one waterfowl gun, it should be a 12-gauge. Shop around for 12-Gauge Shotshells today!
20 Gauge Duck Ammo
Known for its light weight and agile profile in the field, a 20-gauge dominates up close in the flooded timber or for hunters who prefer less recoil. Offered in Steel, bismuth, or tungsten loads, the 20-gauge is every bit as deadly on birds with proper load selection. Available in 2-3/4” and 3” shells and 3/4oz payloads to 1-1/8oz. If you’re a public land warrior trekking in on foot, a light 20-gauge could be your best friend. Check out Remington's assortment of 20-Gauge Shotshells now!
16 Gauge Duck Ammo
Once niche, the 16-gauge has been revived in today's world. A perfect medium between the 12-gauge and 20-gauge, the 16-gauge is easy to carry, mount, and shoot. Although ammunition is harder to find, Remington offers steel loads for 16-gauge hunters. Passionate about the 16 gauge outside of the marsh? Click here for more 16 gauge ammo.
Shot size numbers can be confusing. The rule of thumb: the smaller the number, the larger the pellet. Bigger pellets retain more energy further, but fewer fit in the shell. Smaller pellets give you more pattern density but less punch out farther. Payload size (shot weight) also relates to shot size. Payload refers to the amount of shot loaded in a shotshell. For example, a 12-gauge load with #2 shot can have a smaller payload with 1-1/4 oz of shot, or a larger payload with 1-1/2oz of shot. More weight of shot = more shot in the shell. Another good rule of thumb – the bigger the bird, the larger the shot size, payload, or gauge.
Here’s a quick reference for common scenarios and a 12-gauge with steel shot:
Teal or Wood ducks – small fast movers. They can be knocked down with ease. Get your hands on some #4 Duck Club Steel. A smaller shot size can produce denser patterns, maximizing your coverage. As for payloads, 1-1/4oz or 1-1/8oz won’t steer you wrong.
Mallards and mid-sized ducks – a bit tougher than Teal and smaller birds. Aim to load a shell with #2x#4 duplex load or #3 Nitro steel. Payloads ranging from 1-1/4oz to 1-3/8oz dominate these scenarios.
Late-season ducks – plumed out and wary. A larger shot size provides better penetration on dense plumage and improves knock-down power at ranges. For steel shooters, #2 - BB works great. The Remington Nitro Steel product line will have an answer with those sizes -no doubt. Opt for a slightly larger payload (1-1/4oz – 1-1/2oz) to account for birds in full plumage. Sometimes you need a bit of punch.
Where you hunt shapes what you should load; this is where scouting becomes a significant factor. Proper scouting should provide you with answers to where the birds are, as well as where to hide and the average shot range. Here are some everyday hunting environments for duck hunting.
Understanding your environment and expected shot ranges helps you pick the best ammo for duck hunting before every sunrise.
Don’t underestimate the weather. It can affect your performance just as much as your own shooting. The funny thing is, typically, the worse the conditions, the better the hunting. Be ready to bear down that storm (it often makes the best memories).
Overall, if you can control a few factors and think ahead about your duck hunting ammo, you should. Thoughtfulness reduces the likelihood you’ll be fooling with your gear when the birds finally commit.
If you’re starting out, don’t think it. A 12-gauge loaded with a 3” #2’s in steel will handle most situations. This load combo is easy to find, affordable, and gives you enough pattern to build up your confidence.
Once you’ve got a season under your belt, try different loads to find what works best for you and the gun.
For more tips on starting out in waterfowling, visit our Beginner’s Guide to Waterfowl Hunting.
Remington has been loading Ammunition in the US of A since 1816. Generations of waterfowlers have trusted Big Green to perform on the birds, even in the worst conditions. Remington’s heritage continues today with innovations like Duck Club Steel, Nitro Steel Duplex, and more, all of which bring tradition to modern design.
Explore Remington’s full line of waterfowl loads to see why hunters come back with limits - and back to Remington - season after season.
With these basics covered, you’ll be ready to choose the best shells for duck hunting and fill your game strap. Explore Remington’s full waterfowl ammo lineup to find the load that fits you today.