HEVI-Shot Duck 12 Gauge 3″ Steel Shotshells — 500 Rounds

The HEVI-Shot Duck 12 gauge is the steel waterfowl load in the 12-gauge category.

A 3-inch shell with 1-1/4 ounce of high-density steel at 1,550 fps, designed for mallards, widgeon, woodies, teal, and other fast-flying ducks at close and extended ranges.

At $1.20 per round for 500 rounds, this is the volume waterfowl buy for duck hunters running high round counts through the season.

Steel Shot and Waterfowl Hunting — The Regulatory Context

Federal law requires non-toxic shot for all waterfowl hunting in the United States.

Lead shot is prohibited under migratory bird treaty regulations. Steel is the standard non-toxic alternative; bismuth and tungsten blends are premium options at higher cost.

The HEVI-Shot Duck 12 gauge is pure steel — federally compliant for all waterfowl hunting in the US and Canada, at a lower cost per round than tungsten-blend alternatives.

1-1/4 Ounce at 1,550 fps

The 3-inch shell provides more payload capacity than a 2¾” shell — 1-1/4 oz of steel versus the 1-oz standard for 2¾” loads.

More pellets per shell means a denser pattern at range, compensating partially for steel’s lower density compared to lead (approximately 70% the density).

At 1,550 fps, the HEVI-Shot Duck 12 gauge maintains pellet velocity downrange for extended shots.

Higher velocity compensates for steel’s lower density — faster pellets carry more energy to the target at distance.

Species Coverage

HEVI-Shot specifies mallards, widgeon, woodies, and teal — the primary dabbling ducks of North American waterfowl hunting.

These are fast-flying birds requiring a full, well-timed swing. At 1,550 fps, this load has the velocity for extended-range presentations on decoying and passing birds.

Specifications

• Gauge: 12
• Shell length: 3 inches
• Shot weight: 1-1/4 ounce
• Shot type: High-density steel (non-toxic)
• Muzzle velocity: 1,550 fps
• Application: Duck hunting — mallards, widgeon, woodies, teal
• Non-toxic: Yes — federally compliant for waterfowl
• Quantity: 500 rounds (50 × 10-round boxes)

Made in the USA. Browse the 12 Gauge shotgun ammunition category. Non-toxic shot regulations are issued by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Safe storage guidance is available from the NSSF. Firearm safety guidance for hunting is also available from the NSSF Hunt Safe program.

SHORT DESCRIPTION (above Add to Cart)

HEVI-Shot Duck 12 Gauge. #[X] steel shot, 1-1/4 oz, 1,550 fps, 3″ shell. Non-toxic steel — federally compliant for all US and Canadian waterfowl hunting. Targeted for mallards, widgeon, woodies, and teal. Made in USA. 500 rounds (50 × 10-round boxes) at $1.20/round. Confirm shot size before ordering — check [X] designation in title.

💬 Before You Go — Duck Hunting With HEVI-Shot Steel?

Running HEVI-Shot Duck through the season? Leave a review with shot size, choke, and the species and range where you’re using it. Waterfowl load selection depends heavily on target species and habitat — your field data helps the next hunter dial in the right load. And if you came looking for a 12-gauge waterfowl load we don’t carry, tell us. 🎯

Please purchase and use ammunition responsibly and in accordance with all federal, state and local laws. Non-toxic shot is federally required for all migratory bird hunting in the United States. Buyers must be of legal age in their jurisdiction. Not for sale to prohibited persons. Verify state and local hunting regulations, including season dates, bag limits, and approved shot types, before field use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is steel shot required for duck hunting? Federal law prohibits lead shot for all migratory bird hunting in the US under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act regulations. Lead pellets that miss or pass through birds accumulate in wetlands and are ingested by waterfowl — lead poisoning from ingested shot was documented to cause widespread mortality before the steel shot mandate took effect in 1991. Non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth, tungsten) is now required at all US waterfowl hunting areas.

Why use a 3″ shell instead of 2¾”? The 3″ shell holds more powder and shot — 1-1/4 oz in this load versus the 1-oz standard for 2¾” steel. More shot means a denser pattern at range, which is important for clean kills with steel (which is lighter than lead and loses energy faster downrange). The trade-off is more recoil and higher cost per shell.

How does steel compare to lead for waterfowl? Steel is approximately 70% the density of lead. This means steel pellets lose velocity faster downrange and carry less energy at a given range. To compensate, waterfowl hunters typically step up two shot sizes from lead (if you’d use #4 lead, use #2 steel) and choose higher velocity loads. HEVI-Shot’s tungsten-based loads offer better density; steel is the lower-cost compliant option.

What choke is safe with steel shot? Steel shot should not be used with full or extra-full chokes — steel does not compress like lead, and tight chokes can cause dangerous pressure buildup and damage. Use improved-cylinder, modified, or steel-rated waterfowl chokes. Always confirm choke compatibility with your specific shotgun before use.

Is HEVI-Shot Duck steel the same as HEVI-Shot tungsten? No. HEVI-Shot Duck steel is high-density steel shot — the standard non-toxic option. HEVI-Shot’s premium loads use HEVI-Shot (tungsten compound), HEVI-Bismuth, or HEVI-Metal (steel + tungsten blend). Tungsten-based loads are denser than steel, closer to lead’s density, and more effective at longer ranges — but at significantly higher cost per shell.

What shot size should I use for mallards vs teal? Shot size selection depends on target species and range. For reference: mallards (larger birds, longer range) typically call for #2 or #3 steel; teal (smaller, faster, closer) typically use #3 or #4 steel. Confirm the shot size of this product before ordering and match to your hunting scenario.

How many rounds is 500? 50 × 10-round boxes.

What’s the per-round cost? $600 / 500 = $1.20 per round.