Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Hevi-Metal Xtreme 12 gauge waterfowl shells use Pattern Density Technology to stack a leading 30% layer of 12 g/cc tungsten over a trailing 70% steel pellet column. The tungsten front hits 53% harder than the steel layer, delivering terminal performance at extended ranges while the steel maintains pattern fill. Built for high-altitude pass shooting and pressured late-season birds, the Hevi-Metal Xtreme load is a non-toxic shotshell that meets all federal and state waterfowl ammunition requirements. The 3″ hull pushes 1-1/4 oz of #3 and #6 shot at 1450 fps through a FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, a rear-braking design compatible with any steel-rated choke tube — ported or non-ported.
Performance at a Glance
Hevi-Shot manufactures the Hevi-Metal Xtreme shell in the United States using Boxer primers, reloadable hulls, and a 6-point star crimp. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad holds the shot column together through the first 10-15 yards of flight, then opens progressively to release pellets in a controlled spread. Unlike older wad designs that detach immediately upon muzzle exit, the FLEX system maintains tighter downrange patterns without requiring ultra-tight choke constrictions. Shooters report consistent 30-inch patterns at 40 yards through modified and improved-modified chokes, with fewer fliers and more even pellet distribution across the pattern plate. The tungsten layer — three pellet diameters deep — contacts the target first, transferring kinetic energy that opens the wound channel before the steel arrives.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Steel and Tungsten Shot |
| Shot size | #3 and #6 |
| Shot weight | 1-1/4 Ounce |
| Muzzle velocity | 1450 fps |
| Wad | FLITECONTROL FLEX |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Crimp | 6-Point Star |
| Non-toxic | Yes |
| Rounds per case | 250 (10 boxes of 25) |
| Intended use | Waterfowl |
| Manufacturer | Hevi-Shot |
The #3 and #6 pellet blend addresses two flight zones: #3 pellets (0.14″ diameter steel, 0.13″ diameter tungsten) for 30-45 yard shots where penetration matters most, and #6 pellets (0.11″ diameter steel, 0.10″ diameter tungsten) for teal-sized birds at closer range or as insurance against marginal hits. Browse our full steel shot shells inventory for additional loads and shot-size options.
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.
- Follow the four universal rules of firearms safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current federal and state non-toxic shot requirements before hunting waterfowl — some refuges and flyways mandate specific shot materials or prohibit certain alloys.
- Pattern your shotgun with Hevi-Metal Xtreme loads before the season — the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad performs differently than traditional wads, and optimal choke constriction may differ from steel-only loads.
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