Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For waterfowlers running a 16 gauge, the Hevi-Shot Hevi-Hitter delivers a hybrid payload that bridges the pattern density of steel with the terminal energy of tungsten. This 16 gauge tungsten steel ammo dedicates 20% of its shot column to 12 g/cc tungsten — nearly 60% denser than steel — and layers it over 80% precision steel pellets in #2. The result: large, uniform patterns inside 30 yards and enough tungsten punch to fold ducks and geese beyond 40. Each 2-3/4″ shell pushes 1 ounce of shot at velocities that flatten trajectories without battering the shoulder. Non-toxic, non-corrosive, built in the United States, and packaged in reloadable hulls with Boxer primers.
Load Profile
Hevi-Shot engineers the Hevi-Hitter wad system to separate the tungsten and steel layers during flight, releasing the denser tungsten pellets slightly ahead of the steel column. This staggered release maintains core pattern density while extending effective range. The 12 g/cc tungsten — alloyed for hardness and sphericity — retains velocity better than steel and delivers 40% more energy on impact. Steel pellets fill the outer pattern ring, increasing hit probability on crossing shots and fast-flushing birds. Boxer primers ignite cleanly in cold weather, and the smooth-bore compatible wad protects barrel interiors during high-volume hunts. The 1-ounce payload balances recoil against pellet count: you get 97 #2 steel pellets plus 19 tungsten pellets per shell, totaling 116 projectiles in a single trigger pull.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Shell length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot type | Steel and Tungsten (20% tungsten, 80% steel) |
| Shot weight | 1 Ounce |
| Shot size | #2 |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Buffered | No |
| Non-toxic | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Intended use | Waterfowl |
| Rounds/case | 250 (10 boxes of 25) |
| Country of origin | United States of America |
This hybrid tungsten-steel construction meets federal and state non-toxic shot mandates for waterfowl hunting. The 16 gauge platform offers a middle ground between 12-gauge recoil and 20-gauge capacity — ideal for hunters who walk miles through marsh or timber. For more options in this bore size, browse our full 16 gauge shotgun ammo inventory.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify compliance with state and local waterfowl hunting regulations, including non-toxic shot requirements and daily bag limits, before taking to the field.
- This load contains lead-free shot but hulls and primers may contain trace lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. California Proposition 65 warning: this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
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