The best waterfowl ammo puts more pellets on target with enough retained energy to cleanly kill birds at the distances you're shooting. HEVI’s waterfowl lineup is built around that standard, offering everything from steel loads like HEVI-Teal and HEVI-Steel for budget-conscious volume shooting, to tungsten options like HEVI-XII for hunters who need maximum downrange performance. Bismuth loads like HEVI-Bismuth round out the lineup for older fixed-choke guns or hunters who want a nontoxic option that patterns closer to lead. The right choice depends on your target species, typical shooting distance, and gauge.

Steel is federally required for waterfowl hunting in the U.S. and works reliably inside 40 yards. Bismuth sits in the middle ground: it's denser than steel at roughly 9.6 g/cc, safe for older fixed-choke guns, and patterns tighter at moderate distances. Tungsten loads like HEVI-XII and blended options like HEVI-Hitter, are the most lethal at distance. Tungsten runs approximately 12 g/cc, which is heavier than lead, meaning you can drop shot size, tighten your pattern, and still carry more energy. For late-season geese or pass-shooting situations where birds aren't coming in close, tungsten is the clear choice.

Choke selection depends on the shot material you're running. Steel loads require a choke no tighter than modified, and most manufacturers recommend improved cylinder or light modified for 3-inch and 3.5-inch payloads. Bismuth and blended tungsten-steel loads like HEVI-Hammer and HEVI-Metal Longer Range can handle modified to improved-modified. Full tungsten loads, including HEVI-XII, typically pattern best through tighter constrictions, though you should always consult your choke manufacturer's guidelines before running high-density shot through any tube. HEVI recommends patterning your specific load and choke combination at your intended shooting distance before the season opens.

Yes. Every HEVI waterfowl load is nontoxic and compliant with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regulations for migratory bird hunting. The federal nontoxic shot requirement has been in place since 1991, and several states and public land designations have expanded those restrictions to cover upland species and additional hunting areas. HEVI's lineup includes steel, bismuth, and tungsten options that meet all federal and state nontoxic requirements. If you're hunting on wildlife management areas or national wildlife refuges, always verify current regulations with your state wildlife agency before heading out.

HEVI waterfowl ammo is available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, and 28 gauge configurations, with select loads offered in 10 gauge for hunters running larger-bore guns on geese. The 12 gauge remains the most versatile option and covers the widest range of loads and shot sizes across the lineup. Also, 20-gauge waterfowl ammo has grown significantly in popularity as high-density materials like bismuth and tungsten allow smaller gauges to perform closer to traditional 12 gauge without the added weight and recoil. If you're hunting with a sub-gauge gun, HEVI-Bismuth and HEVI-Hammer are strong starting points.

For ducks, shot sizes 2, 3, and 4 in steel are the most common choices, with smaller sizes like 4 and 5 appropriate for teal or early-season birds over decoys. When running tungsten-based duck loads, you can often drop two full shot sizes compared to steel and still exceed the performance of a larger steel payload. For geese, hunters typically reach for BBB, BB, or 2 shot in steel for pass-shooting, while tungsten loads allow effective patterns with size 2 or even 4 out to distances where steel BBB would fall short. Snow goose hunters working large spreads and shooting longer distances benefit most from tungsten or blended loads where pattern density at 45 to 60 yards is the deciding factor.