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.
Since the ban of lead waterfowl loads in the late 1900s, waterfowling changed significantly for the hunter and waterfowl ammo manufacturers. These bans pigeonholed the industry into innovating waterfowl shot with non-toxic metals. This meant there would be less lead in our watersheds, and migratory birds' health and longevity would improve. This ensures that those who come after us can experience the thrill of knocking a beefy greenhead out of the sky – just like we do.
Today, waterfowl hunters can choose between steel, bismuth, tungsten, or similar blends. Shot material plays a role in how far your load carries energy, how it patterns, and ultimately how clean your harvest will be. However, this article isn’t about the “best” shell - it’s about learning how to match the shell to your shotgun, hunting conditions, and skill level.
Whether you’re waiting for the shot call close in the timber or getting that big flock of late-season honkers to commit, understanding how shot material performs helps you make the right choice before it's time to take’em. Ultimately, knowing the right shot size makes you a better hunter.
When hunters talk waterfowl, they talk steel. Steel is the workhorse of waterfowling. Steel is by far the most widely used non-toxic shot. Why? It gets the job done without breaking the bank.
The great thing with steel: there's a load for every time of year and waterfowl pursuit, without damaging your wallet beyond repair. At a density of 7.8 g/cc, steel will lose velocity and energy quicker than denser metals, but if you’re only taking shots out to 40 and have patterned your gun, you’re golden.
Hunters loading up modern shotguns will find steel perfectly safe, but older barrels can take a beating from its hardness. Always check your gun and choke tube ratings before chambering steel.
Remington Steel Options:
Duck Club Steel - built for the hardcore duck hunter who buys their ammo by the case.
Nitro Steel - proven reliability, power, speed, and trusted by generations of waterfowlers.
Nitro Steel Duplex - loaded with two shot sizes, keeping you covered for all distances.
Hypersonic Steel – blazing’ velocities and tremendous energies on impact.
Pro Tip: The best steel shot size for ducks is usually #2 or #3. If you’re running a 12-gauge steel shot load, you’ll find consistent knockdown abilities in close and mid-range work.
If you don’t love steel but don’t want tungsten, consider bismuth. With a density of 9.6 g/cc, bismuth delivers is roughly 23% denser than steel, giving it more energy retention downrange.
This retained energy helps patterns stay together and boosts penetration at distance - all while remaining soft enough for vintage and fixed-choke shotguns. That’s a big deal for hunters running heirloom doubles or older autoloaders that can’t handle steel.
Remington Bismuth Option:
Premier Bismuth – engineered for consistency, loaded with premier wads for even patterning, and lethal energy on ducks and geese. Great if you are taking slightly further shots. Perhaps you’re on open water.
If you want the absolute best, tungsten waterfowl loads are where it’s at. Most commonly, tungsten waterfowl loads are blends, meaning the shot material is a mix of tungsten and steel. The use of tungsten delivers unmatched retained energy over distance, denser patterns, and cleaner kills far beyond the range of other materials.
Tungsten loads allow shooters to run smaller shot sizes while maintaining lethal energy. A smaller pellet means denser patterns and a greater chance of making an impact on the game. That equals more harvests.
Tungsten also excels when hunting late-season birds that are plumed up in thick feathers and tough down. Don’t be fooled, down is like a suit of armor for birds. It’s also perfect for longer range shots when birds flare or circle wide.
Remington Tungsten Option:
Wingmaster HD – tungsten-based performance with proven Remington reliability
Pro Tip: Tungsten lets you shoot sub-gauge guns like a 20- or 16-gauge without sacrificing energy. It’s dense enough to make small bores hit hard.
Is bismuth the same as tungsten? No. Even though they are both heavy metals, bismuth is softer and lighter; tungsten is denser and harder.
Is bismuth worth it for duck hunting? Yes. It’s a proven upgrade from steel without the tungsten price tag.
What is the density of bismuth vs lead vs tungsten vs steel? See chart below.
The name of the game is density. Think about this: even though a #2 pellet is the same size for a steel and tungsten load, the denser tungsten pellet has more energy, resulting in better momentum and more retained energy. For hunters, this means patterns can hold together better at ranges, which can improve lethality at distances.
Shot size depends on your hunting environment, how your gun patterns, and the type of game you’re pursuing. Use this chart as a quick reference.
Performance follows price, but only to a point.
Steel is unbeatable for the value. It's perfect at traditional hunting ranges, whether you’re in the timber or marsh. Bismuth costs a little more but can extend your effective range due to its higher density. It is also better suited for older vintage guns. Tungsten is expensive but remains unmatched for long-range shots.
If you’re taking routine 25- to 40-yard shots, steel will serve you well. If you’re chasing wary late-season birds that may land a bit further, or hunt open water, heavier metals earn their keep.
Every load is built with Remington’s signature reliability, consistent patterning, and time-tested performance that waterfowlers have trusted for generations. Want more help choosing your load? Check out our guide:
How to Pick Duck Hunting Ammo
Here’s the bottom line:
Steel - delivers the best value for high-volume shooters and close-range work.
Bismuth - offers the ideal balance between price and performance.
Tungsten - the high-dollar load for long shots, late-season birds, and when performance matters more than cost.
No matter what you choose, you should always pattern your shotgun and hunt ethically. Just because you think you might be able to hit that bird doesn’t mean you should try. Don’t be a sky blaster. Remington has a waterfowl load for every hunter, every gauge, and every blind. When the birds cup and commit, the only thing that should be on your mind is squeezing the trigger - not second-guessing your shell.
Duck Club Steel
Wingmaster HD Tungsten Shotgun Shells for Waterfowl
Bismuth Shotgun Shells
Nitro-Steel Duplex Loads