Non-Toxic Waterfowl Ammo: The Best Proven Guide
If you hunt ducks or geese, you’re legally required to shoot non-toxic waterfowl ammo — lead has been banned for waterfowl in the United States for over 30 years. But “non-toxic” no longer means “steel and nothing else.” Today you’ve got steel, bismuth, tungsten, and clever blends, spanning a huge range of prices and performance.
This guide cuts through it. Here’s what every type of non-toxic waterfowl ammo actually does, how to pick your shot size, what choke to run, and exactly which loads put ducks and geese in the bag without wasting money.
First: The Law
Lead shot is prohibited for hunting all migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans) under federal law, and has been since 1991. You must use shot made from an approved non-toxic material — the US Fish & Wildlife Service currently lists around 14 approved materials, but the three that matter are steel, bismuth, and tungsten.
Getting caught with lead in the marsh means fines and a ruined season. So all non-toxic waterfowl ammo starts with one of those three materials — and understanding them is the whole game.
Non-Toxic Waterfowl Ammo: Steel vs Bismuth vs Tungsten
Density is everything in non-toxic waterfowl ammo. Denser pellets carry more energy downrange, hit harder, and resist wind better — which lets you shoot smaller shot (more pellets = denser pattern) while still killing cleanly. Here’s how the three stack up:
| Material | Density | Cost/box (25) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | 7.8 g/cc | ~$20–25 | Value, close-to-mid range, high volume |
| Bismuth | 9.6 g/cc | ~$35–45 | Mid-range, old/vintage guns, more energy than steel |
| Tungsten (TSS/Hevi) | 12–18 g/cc | ~$50–60+ | Maximum range, small shot, longest shots |
Steel — The Affordable King
Steel is the default non-toxic waterfowl ammo, and for most hunters it’s all the non-toxic waterfowl ammo they need. It’s by far the cheapest, the most available, comes in every shot size and payload, and patterns tightly. Its only real drawback is low density — steel pellets slow down faster than denser materials, so you must use larger shot sizes (fewer pellets) and keep shots inside about 40 yards.
Here’s the honest truth the premium-ammo marketing won’t tell you: within 40 yards, with the right choke and shot size, steel kills ducks just as dead as anything else. Steel gets unfairly blamed for crippling birds, but that’s almost always shooter error or shots taken too far — not the shot itself. For the disciplined hunter, steel is unbeatable value.
Bismuth — The Middle Ground
Bismuth is about 23% denser than steel, so it retains more energy downrange and lets you drop a shot size. It’s the go-to for two situations: hunters taking slightly longer shots on open water, and — importantly — owners of older or vintage shotguns whose barrels aren’t rated for hard steel. Bismuth is soft enough to be safe in classic fixed-choke guns.
⚠️ One catch: bismuth is brittle and prone to fracturing. Buy buffered bismuth loads to keep pellets intact and patterns consistent.
Tungsten — The Long-Range Premium
Tungsten (including TSS at 18 g/cc and Hevi-Shot’s tungsten-matrix at 12 g/cc) is the densest non-toxic waterfowl ammo available. Its tiny, super-dense pellets fly farther, hit harder, and resist wind best — creating incredibly lethal patterns well beyond the range of steel. The trade-off is cost: several dollars per shell. It’s the choice for hunters taking genuinely long shots (45–60 yards) or targeting big, tough geese.
Non-Toxic Waterfowl Ammo Blends: The Clever Compromise
A smart middle path in non-toxic waterfowl ammo is the blended (or “duplex”) load — a shell stacking two shot types or sizes. A common one layers ~20–30% tungsten or bismuth over 80% steel: the larger steel pellets kill at moderate range, while the smaller premium pellets add density and reach. Because they use fewer expensive pellets, blends (like Federal, Apex, Hevi-Hitter, or Winchester Double Shot) cost less than pure tungsten while extending your effective range. Excellent value for the hunter who wants more than steel without going all-in on TSS.
Non-Toxic Waterfowl Ammo: Choosing Shot Size
Shot size for non-toxic waterfowl ammo depends on both the material and the quarry — and you cannot use the same number across materials, because density changes everything.
Steel shot sizes (the rule: go up ~2 sizes from lead)
| Quarry | Steel shot size |
|---|---|
| Early-season teal, close ducks | #4 |
| All-around duck (the do-everything) | #3 or #2 |
| Mallards, bigger ducks | #2 |
| Geese (close-mid) | BB, BBB |
| Geese (pass shooting) | BBB, T |
Bismuth / Tungsten (denser = go smaller)
- Bismuth ducks: #4 or #5 · Bismuth geese: #2
- Tungsten/TSS ducks: #7–#9 (tiny, but lethal) · Tungsten geese: #4–#5
The key insight: a #2 steel, a #4 bismuth, and a #7 TSS can all be excellent duck loads — because as density rises, you go smaller for the same downrange punch. Match shot size to material, never by habit.
Non-Toxic Waterfowl Ammo: The Right Choke
- Decoyed ducks (close, 15–35 yds) → Improved Cylinder (steel patterns tighter than lead, so you often need less choke)
- General duck hunting (to 40 yds) → Modified — the waterfowl workhorse
- Pass-shooting / geese (40+ yds) → Improved Modified or Full (but check steel rating)
⚠️ Steel + tight choke = danger. Hard steel shot can damage a Full choke, and some are stamped “not for steel.” For steel, Modified is usually the tightest you should run. Bismuth and tungsten are gentler on chokes.
Which Non-Toxic Waterfowl Ammo Should You Buy?
| Your situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Most duck hunting, best value | Steel #2 or #3 |
| High-volume / learning | Steel — shoot more for less |
| Older / vintage shotgun | Bismuth (safe in classic barrels) |
| Slightly longer open-water shots | Bismuth #4 (buffered) |
| Long shots / big geese | Tungsten blend or TSS |
| Maximum range, money no object | TSS #7–#9 |
| Geese, all-around | Steel BB or a blend |
The honest bottom-line recommendation
For most waterfowl hunters, buy quality steel #2 or #3, pair it with a Modified choke, keep your shots inside 40 yards, and pattern your gun. You’ll kill birds cleanly and save a fortune. Step up to bismuth or a tungsten blend when you genuinely need more range — or when your gun demands it. Discipline in the blind beats dollars in the shell.
The Rule That Matters Most: Pattern Your Gun
As with every shotgun load, the non-toxic waterfowl ammo that works is the one your gun patterns well. Steel, bismuth, and tungsten all pattern differently, and every gun-choke combo is unique. Pattern your chosen load on paper at 30 and 40 yards before the season — find the load and choke that put the most pellets in a 30-inch circle, and you’ll know your true effective range. It’s the cheapest insurance against crippled birds and missed shots.
The Bottom Line
The best non-toxic waterfowl ammo comes down to matching material to range and budget:
- Steel — affordable, deadly inside 40 yards, all most hunters need. Go up ~2 shot sizes from lead.
- Bismuth — denser, longer reach, and safe in older guns. Buy it buffered.
- Tungsten / TSS — the longest-range, hardest-hitting, priciest option; tiny shot, lethal patterns.
- Blends — a smart, cost-effective way to stretch steel’s range.
Match your shot size to the material, run the right choke, pattern your gun, and stay disciplined on distance. Do that, and the birds will fold.
Shop Waterfowl Ammo at Trigger Ammo Store
Get set for the blind with the right non-toxic loads. Browse our full range of shotgun ammo at Trigger Ammo Store — steel, bismuth, tungsten, and blended waterfowl loads for ducks and geese.
Running a 12 gauge? We stock the full range of steel and premium duck and goose loads. Shooting a lighter gun? Modern 28 gauge and .410 bore non-toxic loads punch above their size, especially with tungsten. Buy a case early, pattern your gun, and be ready when the ducks are working.
👉 Gear up for the marsh — shop shotgun ammo now →
💬 Before You Go — What’s In Your Blind Bag?
What non-toxic load do you swear by for ducks or geese? Drop a comment with your gun, choke, shot material, and size — and how it patterns. Your real-world results help fellow waterfowlers choose with confidence. And if you’re leaving without finding the load you needed, tell us what you were after — it genuinely helps us stock the right shells for the season. Shoot straight! 🦆🎯
Please buy and use ammunition responsibly and in accordance with all federal, state and local laws. Lead shot is illegal for hunting migratory waterfowl — only USFWS-approved non-toxic shot may be used. Confirm your shotgun and choke are rated for steel before using it. Always pattern your gun and only take ethical shots within your confirmed effective range. Check current federal and state waterfowl regulations, seasons, and shot restrictions. You must meet all legal requirements to purchase, and ammunition cannot be shipped to every jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best non-toxic waterfowl ammo? For most hunters, quality steel in #2 or #3 shot — it’s affordable, widely available, and lethal inside 40 yards with the right choke. Step up to bismuth for older guns or longer shots, or tungsten/TSS for maximum range.
Why can’t I use lead for duck hunting? Lead shot has been banned for migratory waterfowl hunting in the US since 1991 due to lead poisoning in waterfowl and other wildlife. You must use an approved non-toxic material like steel, bismuth, or tungsten.
In non-toxic waterfowl ammo, what’s the difference between steel, bismuth, and tungsten? Density and price. Steel (7.8 g/cc) is cheapest but needs larger shot and closer shots. Bismuth (9.6 g/cc) is denser, longer-reaching, and safe in old guns. Tungsten/TSS (12–18 g/cc) is densest, hardest-hitting, and most expensive.
What shot size for ducks? With steel, #2 or #3 is the all-around choice (#4 for close teal). With denser bismuth, drop to #4. With tungsten/TSS, tiny #7–#9 pellets are lethal. Always match size to material.
What shot size for geese? Steel BB or BBB for most goose hunting, up to T for long pass shots. With tungsten, #2–#5 works because of its density.
Can I shoot steel through my old shotgun? Not always — hard steel can damage older or vintage barrels and fixed chokes. For classic guns, use bismuth, which is soft enough to be safe. Check your gun’s rating.
What choke should I use for waterfowl? Improved Cylinder for decoyed ducks, Modified for general duck hunting, and Improved Modified or Full for geese and pass shooting — but never run steel through a tight Full choke unless it’s rated for it.
Is expensive tungsten ammo worth it? Only if you’re taking genuinely long shots (45+ yards) or hunting big geese. Inside 40 yards, disciplined hunting with cheap steel kills birds just as effectively. Buy range, not marketing.
