Although it’s been well over two decades since the federal government issued regulations prohibiting the use of lead shotgun pellets for waterfowl hunting, ammunition shortcomings and shooter dissatisfaction still exist.
The law came into effect because fish, birds and mammals were ingesting lead pellets from nearly a century of accumulation at popular shooting sites and dying form the lead poisoning. The intention of the law was right on as the resulting effect on endangered animals improved, but lingering still are several problem issues for hunters, shotgun shell manufacturers and firearm companies.
Federal law requires the use of non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting, but steel shot isn’t the only choice available to hunters. Black Cloud is a very effective alternative for gunning big honkers.
(Courtesy of Bill Graves)
After September native goose season and the first two weeks of Aroostook’s regular duck and goose season, disgruntled grumblings and frustrated questions still abound from dissatisfied sportsmen regarding the best waterfowl ammo. Two facts are evident: nothing offers the penetration, patterns and lethality at distance of lead shot for equal price; and, lead is no longer legal so it’s time to settle on a substitute. Steel shot quickly became the pellet substitute in shot shells, but it was not without several shortcomings that are still being dealt with.
Steel does not hold a pattern as well as lead, nor does it carry the velocity to cause equal penetration and lethal results on thick feathered waterfowl. On top of this, steel’s hardness can cause damage to some modern firearm barrels, and older guns with fixed chokes can’t safely be used with steel pellets. Ammunition companies have addressed many of the steel shot shortcomings. Special shot cups improve patterns and protect gun barrels, while notably faster loads aid knockdown power and increase shot distance a bit.
It falls upon each individual hunter to be more careful with length of shots on passing birds. Thirty to 40 yards is a fairly long shot with steel, whereas 50 to 60 yards was within range for lead loads. I also recommend adjusting pellet size upward for steel. I always used size 4 for ducks and size 2 shot for geese, but size 3 or even 2 steel is better for ducks and size 1 or BBs for honkers. Many shotgun manufacturers are now producing guns that handle the 3-½ inch, 12 gauge shells to push out heavier pellet loads at faster speed to help steel become more effective.
Be sure to check your shotgun barrel or accompanying literature to be sure it can withstand steel pellets. Call the company or take the firearm to a gunsmith or local gun shop if you can’t find verification. Remember, steel is much harder and less malleable than the old soft lead pellets and with the larger size shot it’s possible to bulge a barrel or blow out a muzzle. Ruining a favorite old shotgun is bad enough, but such a mishap can cause serious personal injury as well.
Steel shot isn’t the only alternative for waterfowl hunters, especially sportsmen who like to use older shotguns that can’t handle steel shot. There are several very effective and safe non-toxic alternatives using bismuth and tungston.
(Courtesy of Bill Graves)
If you’re going to shoot steel, be selective in shooting distance, increase pellet size and load size and be conscious of the shotgun’s limitations. Although I do use some factory loaded steel ammunition, as a long time shell reloader, I’ve taken advantage of several new components as well as pellet buffering material to increase the effectiveness of my own hand loads. Another option that I often turn to is hunting with shotshells filled with non-toxic pellets — a legal and very viable alternative to steel pellets.
The density of the metal used to construct pellets is the crucial property that makes certain shot more deadly. Federal Ammunition Company offers a tungsten/iron combo while Kent Cartridge produces a tungsten matrix blend, using a plastic polymer to soften the metal to a more lead-like consistency. Hevi Shot is another non-toxic option with the pellets comprised of a tungsten, nickel and iron combination that yields density required for more distance and penetration. It is an effective and dependable alternative.
Arguably the best option and closest to lead pellets is bismuth, and shells built around this heavy metal component are devastating. Bismuth and Hevi Shot do have one drawback. They come in boxes of 10 shells and every time you pull the trigger of your shotgun it costs two to three dollars! Quality costs. On the plus side, these softer metal combos can be used with no hazard of damage to older shotguns, which is a great joy to many waterfowlers who favor aging doubles and other favorite family hand-me-downs.
There are several other options to consider and test as well, some shell manufacturers have actually changed the shape of their steel pellets from round to several other shapes to offer better patterns and penetration. A few have invented futuristic style wads and even used two sizes of shot in the same shell to achieve better accuracy, speed and distance. Check out a few waterfowl hunting magazines, look over articles on the internet about new loads and talk to someone at the gun shop or a more experienced wingshooter to help settle on a shell for you.
Steel loads are better than ever, but there are a few other options some hunters will find to be superior. It’s a test and evaluate situation for each individual. Steel and non-toxic shot are here to stay for the good of the wildlife, so hunters just need to get on board, adjust and move forward to keep enjoying their favorite sport of waterfowling.
