I’ve hunted waterfowl for decades in various terrains using different shotguns and shells. Over the years, I’ve found that some shells perform better than others. That’s why I created this list of the best duck hunting shells. It will save you from wasting money on loads that won’t help you harvest your limit.
If you’re looking for a tight pattern that won’t break the bank, load up on some Winchester Drylok Super Steel 12 Gauge12 Gauge Magnum #3 Shot shells for your next duck hunt. They’re reasonably priced, readily available, and produced by a trusted brand.
If you want the complete list, keep reading. I share the rest of my favorite waterfowl shotgun shells below. For those who love reading about shotgun shells, click HERE to visit our Buyer’s Guide.
How I Chose the Best Duck Loads
When choosing the following 12 Gauge12 Gauge waterfowl loads, I considered my years of experience, what other duck hunters have told me, price, availability, and performance (how well the load drops the birds).
My dad often took me duck hunting as a kid. I took it to another level in college, duck hunting every chance I could and using various shells to see which worked best for my buddies and me. I enjoy using the shells on this list while hunting with my daughter.
I’ve spoken with many hunters who swear by various loads. The ones on this list come up repeatedly in those discussions.
We’re all constrained by our budgets, and duck hunting gear is expensive. I did my best to include affordable shells that don’t sacrifice performance.
Speaking of performance, the best duck hunting shotgun shells have to drop ducks, geese, and cranes at reasonable hunting distances (40 yards and closer). I also included some that push those distances (50 to 60 yards) without crippling too many birds.
The Best Duck Hunting Shells
| Ammo | Award |
|---|---|
| Winchester Drylok 12 Gauge Super Steel 12 Gauge Magnum 1-1/4 oz #3 Shot | Best Overall |
| Kent Fasteel 2.0 12 Gauge 12 Gauge 3" 1-3/8 oz BB Steel Shot | Best Goose Hunting Load |
| Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 12 Gauge 12 Gauge 3-1/2” 1-1/2 oz BBB Shot | Best Sandhill Crane Hunting Load |
| Hevi-Shot HEVI-XII 12 Gauge 12 Gauge 3" 1-1/8 oz #4 Shot | Honorable Mention |
| Remington Nitro Steel 12 Gauge 3" 1-3/8 oz #4 Shot | Honorable Mention |
| Boss Shotshells 12 Gauge 12 Gauge 3” 1 ½ oz | Honorable Mention |
| Winchester Blind Side 2 | Honorable Mention |
Best Overall - Winchester Drylok Super Steel Magnum 1-1/4 oz #3 Shot
Specs
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,400 fps
- Shot Type: #3 Steel
- Weight: 1-1/4 oz
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Trusted brand | Not the latest and greatest |
| High-velocity | |
| Lethal for a wide variety of species | |
| Easy to find and affordable |
Why I Chose It
I’ve used Winchester ammunition since I first started duck hunting because it’s affordable, reliable, and effective. When I upgraded from Winchester Super-X to Winchester Drylok Super Steel, I instantly saw an increase in effectiveness without a drastic accompanying price increase.
This high-velocity load ensures your shot gets to the bird before it can fly away. It also helps the #3 pellets penetrate deeper, resulting in fewer cripples than when I used some other steel loads.
I use #2 or #4 shot during most of my waterfowl hunting excursions. Even so, I know I can knock down any species of waterfowl that comes to my spread when I grab a box of #3 shot.
One of the biggest reasons I’ve preferred Winchester ammo for so many years is its affordability and availability. I didn’t have much spare money in college, so I often chose some of the least expensive loads I could find that weren’t complete garbage. In recent years, some shotshells have been difficult to find, but Winchester Drylok Super Steel has been consistently available.
The biggest drawback to these rounds is that they’re not the latest and greatest offering from Winchester. You won’t be the guy with the newest shotshell technology in the blind.
Overall, Winchester Drylok Super Steel #3 shot ammo is the perfect choice for the average waterfowl hunter because they’re affordable, effective, and readily available.
Continue reading 7 Best Duck Hunting Shells: Take 'em With Your New Favorite 12 Gauge Load on Ammo.com
