20 Gauge Steel Shot Ammo
Showing 1–12 of 32 results
Showing 1–12 of 32 results
20 gauge steel shot is the non-toxic answer for waterfowl and upland hunting in a light, soft-shooting package. Federal law requires non-toxic shot for hunting ducks, geese, and other migratory birds, and steel is the most affordable option — making 20-gauge steel loads the everyday choice for hunters who want to chase ducks over decoys or walk up pheasants without the recoil of a 12. This page covers why non-toxic matters, the shot sizes for each bird, how steel compares to premium non-toxics, and what to expect from the 20.
Tatted Tacticals stocks 20 gauge steel shot from Federal, Winchester, HEVI-Shot, Kent, and Migra — duck and goose loads, low-recoil options, and upland steel, in 2-3/4″ and 3″ shells. It’s part of our full 20 gauge shotgun shells selection.
Why Steel Shot
Since federal regulations banned lead shot for waterfowl, non-toxic shot has been mandatory for hunting migratory birds, and steel is by far the most economical non-toxic option. Steel is lighter and less dense than lead, so it sheds velocity faster — the practical fix is to step up one or two shot sizes from what you’d use in lead and keep shots within sensible range. For the 20 gauge, that means matching shot size to the bird and respecting steel’s effective distance.
Shot Sizes for Duck, Goose, and Upland
| Quarry | Steel Shot Size | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Teal & small ducks | #4–#6 | Dense patterns up close |
| Mallards & large ducks | #2–#3 | The all-around duck size |
| Geese (in range) | BB–#1 | Within the 20’s sensible range |
| Pheasant & upland | #5–#6 | Non-toxic upland fields |
| Dove | #6–#7 | Light loads, high volume |
The 20 gauge excels on ducks over decoys and upland birds; for big geese at long range it’s outmatched by the 12 and especially the 10 gauge, though it handles geese well within range. Our 20 gauge steel shot guide details loads by quarry.
Steel vs. Bismuth and TSS
Steel is the budget non-toxic workhorse, but premium non-toxics offer more performance at a price. Bismuth is denser than steel and gentler on older barrels, while TSS (tungsten) is the densest of all, letting tiny pellets hit hard — the same technology behind modern 20 gauge turkey loads. For most duck hunting over decoys, affordable steel is all you need; for long-range or heritage-gun use, bismuth and TSS earn their cost. For 12-gauge non-toxic, see our steel shot shells.
Buying 20 Gauge Steel Shot
Buy by the bird and the season, and pattern your load to confirm performance. Federal law sets the minimum age for shotgun ammunition at 18; some states and cities add restrictions, so per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.
20 Gauge Steel Shot — Frequently Asked Questions
What size steel shot for 20 gauge ducks?
For most ducks, #2 or #3 steel is the all-around choice, balancing pattern density and pellet energy. Step down to #4-#6 for teal and small ducks over decoys, and up to BB-#1 for geese within range. Because steel is lighter than lead, going one or two sizes larger than a comparable lead load keeps downrange energy up.
Is 20 gauge steel shot good for duck hunting?
Yes, especially over decoys and in flooded timber where shots are close. The 20 gauge patterns well with steel for ducks and kicks far less than a 12, making it a favorite for comfortable, high-volume duck hunting. Keep shots within sensible range, match shot size to the bird, and the 20 is a very capable non-toxic waterfowl gauge.
Why do you need non-toxic shot for waterfowl?
Federal law bans lead shot for hunting waterfowl and other migratory birds to prevent lead poisoning in wetlands and the birds that feed there. Steel, bismuth, and tungsten (TSS) are approved non-toxic alternatives. Steel is the most affordable, which is why 20-gauge steel loads are the everyday choice for legal, ethical duck and goose hunting.
Can a 20 gauge kill geese?
Yes, within range. With heavy BB or #1 steel loads and shots kept inside roughly 35-40 yards, a 20 gauge cleanly takes geese over decoys. For pass-shooting big geese at long range, a 12 or 10 gauge throws more pellets and reaches farther. For decoying geese at moderate range, the 20 with the right load is effective.
Can you buy 20 gauge steel shot online?
Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy 20 gauge steel shot online and have it shipped to your door — convenient for stocking up before waterfowl season. The minimum age for shotgun ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.
