When it comes to duck hunting, choosing the right shotgun ammunition can make all the difference between a successful hunt and an empty handed outing. Two of the most common choices for duck loads are 2 shot and 4 shot shells. But which size shot is better for duck hunting? There are pros and cons to both 2 shot and 4 shot, and the right choice depends on factors like your shooting style, the range you’re shooting at, and the size of the ducks you’re hunting. This article will compare 2 shot vs 4 shot for ducks to help you decide which one is right for your hunt.
Ballistics and Performance
One of the biggest considerations when choosing shot size is the ballistics and performance you can expect from different loads. Here’s an overview of how 2 shot and 4 shot shells compare:
Shot Spread and Density
The 2 shot shell contains larger pellets, but fewer of them in each shell. The 4 shot has smaller pellets, but more of them per shell. This means the pattern density with 2 shot is lighter, while 4 shot produces a denser pattern:
- 2 shot – Around 140 pellets per 1 1/4 oz load
- 4 shot – Around 350 pellets per 1 1/4 oz load
The denser pattern of the 4 shot stringently increases your odds of landing multiple pellets on a duck, especially at longer ranges. However, beyond 30-40 yards the smaller 4 shot pellets lose energy more quickly and become less effective. The larger 2 shot carries energy downrange better for longer range shots.
Knockdown Power
Due to their larger diameter and weight, 2 shot pellets have more kinetic energy and therefore knockdown power than smaller 4 shot. This helps ensure clean harvests on ducks. However, the lower pellet count means you have less margin for error with 2 shot – you need to be more precise with your aim. The high number of pellets with 4 shot makes accuracy less critical.
Shot Size | Knockdown Power |
---|---|
2 Shot | Excellent |
4 Shot | Good |
Effective Range
The maximum effective range is longer for 2 shot, averaging around 50 yards depending on your choke. The smaller 4 shot pellets run out of steam more quickly, with an average effective range of around 40 yards.
However, within 30-40 yards the dense 4 shot pattern gives you a wider killing zone and margin for error. Both loads are suitable for most duck hunting situations, but 2 shot extends your reach a bit more for distant birds.
Shot Size for Different Ranges
As a general rule of thumb, 2 shot is preferable for longer range shots at around 40-50 yards, while 4 shot is ideal for close to medium range shooting. Here are some recommended uses for each shot size:
2 Shot
- Pass shooting distant ducks overdecoys
- Head shooting ducks over water
- Late season hunting when ducks are wary
- Maximum range shots (40-50 yards)
4 Shot
- Deecoy shooting (inside 30 yards)
- Early season hunting when ducks are less wary
- Shots at close bunched birds (under 30 yards)
- Heavy cover hunting
Shot Size for Duck Species
The size of ducks you’re hunting is another factor. Use 2 shot for large ducks like mallards, black ducks, and pintails. The extra knockdown power helps ensure clean kills. For smaller teal and other ducks, a 4 shot load has advantages. The denser pattern gives you more pellets on target for the small ducks, increasing your odds of clean harvests.
2 Shot Recommended For:
- Mallards
- Black Ducks
- Pintails
- Gadwall
- Wigeon
4 Shot Recommended For:
- Teal
- Wood Ducks
- Shovelers
Lead vs Steel Shot for Ducks
When choosing your shot size, you’ll also need to decide between lead or steel shot. Lead shot has been banned for waterfowl hunting since 1991. Steel is now required for all waterfowl hunting across the USA.
Steel shot is harder than lead so it doesn’t deform on impact. It also maintains its speed and energy downrange better than lead. However, steel shot is lighter than lead so matching the ballistics of lead loads requires using one or two sizes larger steel shot.
For example, a #2 steel shot load matches up to a #4 lead load. And #4 steel shot matches up with #6 lead shot. This is because the lower density of steel requires larger pellets to match the weight and energy of smaller lead shot.
Lead Shot Size | Equivalent Steel Shot Size |
---|---|
#4 Lead | #2 Steel |
#6 Lead | #4 Steel |
So when choosing steel shot, going one or two sizes larger than you would have used with lead shot typically gives the closest equivalent performance. This means #2 or #4 steel shot are good choices for most duck hunting.
Choke Tubes for Duck Hunting
Your choice of choke tube can also affect your effective range and performance with different steel shot sizes. Tighter chokes work best with large shot like 2’s to retain enough pattern density. For smaller shot, looser improved cylinder or modified chokes allow for proper spread and prevent too tight of patterns.
Here are recommended chokes for duck hunting with common steel shot sizes:
Shot Size | Choke |
---|---|
#2 Steel | Full or Extra Full |
#4 Steel | Modified or Improved Cylinder |
Top Duck Hunting Loads
There are a variety of excellent 2 shot and 4 shot steel loads available for ducks. Here are some of the top performing options:
2 Shot Steel
- Kent Fasteel
- Federal Black Cloud
- Winchester Expert High Velocity
- Remington Hypersonic Steel
4 Shot Steel
- Winchester Xpert Hi-Velocity
- Remington Hypersonic Steel
- Federal Speed Shok
- Fiocchi Golden Waterfowl
Conclusion
For most duck hunting scenarios, both 2 shot and 4 shot steel loads will get the job done. 2 shot gives you extended range reach and superior knockdown power for large ducks like mallards. 4 shot is devastating on close birds like teal and gives you more pellets in the killing zone out to 30-40 yards.
Consider your expected shooting distances, size of ducks, and shotgun choke when deciding between the two. Both can be effective in the right circumstances. Try out different loads to see which one patterns best through your gun. With the right ammo choice and shooting skills, you’ll be ready to have a successful duck hunt no matter what flies your way.