A 20 gauge weighs less, swings fast and kicks less than a 12. Plenty of duck hunters carry one, especially over decoys in timber or on small ponds. The catch is that 20 gauge steel shot carries less payload, so load choice matters more. Pick the right size and speed and a 20 will fold ducks cleanly inside its range.
This guide is laid out by bird. For each, you’ll see which shot sizes make sense and which of our loads fit. Velocity and payload come from the maker’s published data.
Is a 20 gauge enough for ducks?
Yes, inside sensible ranges. A 3 inch 20 gauge steel shell usually holds 7/8 to 1 oz of shot. A 3 inch 12 gauge steel load often holds 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 oz. Fewer pellets means the pattern thins out sooner. So the 20 gauge rewards decoying birds and patient shooting. Pass-shooting high birds is a 12 gauge job.
Two ways to stretch a 20 gauge: shoot faster steel, or step up to a denser blend with bismuth or tungsten. We cover both below.
20 gauge steel shot for ducks
For most ducks, #2 to #4 steel is the common range. #4 for teal and close birds, #2 or #3 for mallards and other big ducks. Here’s the full lineup.
Speed and payload pull against each other. The Remington HyperSonic #4 lists 1,600 fps with 7/8 oz. The Winchester Drylok Super Steel Magnum #3 lists 1,330 fps with a full ounce. Faster shot reaches the bird sooner, so you lead it less. A heavier payload puts more pellets on target. Try both and see which one your gun patterns better.
Teal and early season
Teal are small and fast. A lighter #6 like the Hevi-Teal 7/8 oz #6 fills the pattern with more pellets. Speed helps here too.
Geese
Geese are big birds with heavy bones. With 20 gauge steel shot, keep shots close and use #2 at the least, like the Winchester Blind Side 2 #2 Hex Steel. If geese are your main target, a 12 gauge with BB or BBB steel is the better tool.
Steel blends: bismuth and tungsten in a 20 gauge
Bismuth and tungsten are denser than steel. A pellet of the same size carries more weight and holds speed longer. Blended loads mix steel with one of them to lift performance without the full cost of an all-tungsten shell.
| Load | Payload | Shot size | Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex TSS Steel Blend 20 Gauge Waterfowl 3″ #4 Steel / #7-1/2 TSS | 1-1/8 oz | #4 steel / #7-1/2 TSS | 1,250 fps |
| Federal Black Cloud TSS 20 Gauge 3″ #3 Steel and #9 TSS, 1-1/4 oz | 1-1/4 oz | #3 steel and #9 TSS | 1,350 fps |
| Hevi-Metal Longer Range 20 Gauge Steel and Bismuth 3″ #3, 1 oz | 1 oz | #3 | 1,350 fps |
| Hevi-Hammer 20 Gauge Waterfowl Steel and Bismuth 3″ #3, 1 oz | 1 oz | #3 | 1,350 fps |
| Prairie Storm Bismuth 20 Gauge Steel and Bismuth 3″ #4/#5, 1 oz | 1 oz | #4 and #5 bismuth, steel one size larger | 1,400 fps |
| Hevi-Metal Xtreme 20 Gauge Tungsten and Steel 3″ #3/#6, 1-1/16 oz | 1-1/16 oz | #3 and #6 | 1,350 fps |
The Federal Black Cloud TSS #3 steel and #9 TSS packs 1-1/4 oz, more than most 20 gauge steel loads. The Prairie Storm Bismuth pairs bismuth with steel one size larger. These cost more per shell, so many hunters keep a box for late-season birds.
Steel loads for doves and upland birds
Some states and many public hunting areas now require non-toxic shot for doves and upland game. Light 2-3/4 inch steel loads fill that need.
| Load | Shell | Payload | Shot size | Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Upland Steel 20 Gauge 2-3/4″ #7-1/2, 3/4 oz | 2-3/4 in. | 3/4 oz | #7-1/2 | 1,500 fps |
| Federal Speed-Shok 20 Gauge Steel 2-3/4″ #6, 3/4 oz | 2-3/4 in. | 3/4 oz | #6 | 1,425 fps |
| Winchester Xpert Game and Target 20 Gauge Steel 2-3/4″ #7, 3/4 oz | 2-3/4 in. | 3/4 oz | #7 | 1,325 fps |
| Fiocchi Dove and Quail 20 Gauge Steel 2-3/4″ #7, 7/8 oz | 2-3/4 in. | 7/8 oz | #7 | 1,225 fps |
The Federal Upland Steel #7-1/2 lists 316 pellets and 1,500 fps. That’s a good dove load where lead is off the table.
Chokes for 20 gauge steel
Steel is hard and doesn’t flatten, so it tends to pattern tighter than lead. Improved cylinder or modified is a good start for ducks over decoys. Before you shoot steel through any choke, check that the tube is rated for steel. Older 20 gauge guns, especially those with fixed chokes, may not be. Your manual or a gunsmith can tell you. Also check chamber length: most of these loads are 3 inch shells.
Know the rules
Federal rules require non-toxic shot for waterfowl. Some states add rules for doves, upland birds and certain public lands. Shot-size and shell-capacity rules may also apply. Check your state’s current regulations before every season.
Shop 20 gauge steel shot
See all of our 20 gauge waterfowl, blend and upland loads in the 20 gauge steel shot category. For a deeper look at steel versus lead, read the steel shot shells guide. Pattern two loads before the opener and buy the one that prints best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20 gauge steel shot good for duck hunting?
Yes, when you keep shots close. 20 gauge steel shot carries less payload than a 12 gauge, so patterns thin out sooner. Over decoys or in timber, a 3 inch 20 gauge with #2 to #4 steel works well. For long pass shots or geese, a 12 gauge is the better tool.
What size steel shot should I use in a 20 gauge for ducks?
Most hunters use #4 steel for teal and close decoying ducks and #2 or #3 steel for mallards and other big ducks. Because 20 gauge payloads are lighter, some hunters choose a faster load or a bismuth or tungsten blend to keep energy up at range.
What choke should I use with 20 gauge steel shot?
Start with improved cylinder or modified for ducks over decoys. Steel patterns tighter than lead, so you rarely need a full choke. Use only choke tubes your gun maker rates for steel, and pattern each load on paper before you hunt.
Can you shoot steel shot through any 20 gauge shotgun?
Not always. Many modern 20 gauge guns and choke tubes are rated for steel, but some older guns with thin barrels or fixed tight chokes are not. Check the barrel markings, read your manual or ask a gunsmith. Also confirm chamber length before buying 3 inch shells.
