Medium Shot (No. 2-4 Steel/Bismuth), Modified/Improved Modified Choke
For waterfowl hunting -- medium shot sizes with a moderate choke balance pattern density and penetration on ducks and geese at typical ranges.
Runner-up: Small Shot, Extra Full Choke · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- You're hunting ducks or geese.
- You need adequate penetration on a larger, tougher target than upland birds.
- Non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth, or tungsten) is required for waterfowl in most areas.
Waterfowl hunting requires non-toxic shot (lead is prohibited for waterfowl in most jurisdictions) in medium sizes (commonly No. 2 through 4 in steel, or comparable in bismuth/tungsten), paired with a moderate choke like Modified or Improved Modified that balances pattern density with the range typical of duck and goose hunting.
How it compares
| Setup | Shot size | Choke |
| Small Shot (No. 4-6) | No. 4-6 (small, dense) | Extra Full |
| Medium Shot (No. 2-4 Steel/Bismuth) | No. 2-4 steel/bismuth | Modified/Improved Modified |
| Larger Shot (No. 6-8) | No. 6-8 | Improved Cylinder/Modified |
Buying checklist
- Confirm non-toxic shot compliance -- lead shot is illegal for waterfowl hunting in most areas, federally and by state
- Steel shot patterns differently than lead -- pattern-test your specific load and choke combination
- Shot size and choke choice should account for the specific species (ducks vs. geese often call for different sizing)
When this isn’t the right fit
A waterfowl setup is not right for upland birds at close range, where a more open pattern is more forgiving, or for turkey. Check the non-toxic shot rules, and confirm that your barrel and choke are rated for steel or the shot you use.
Other results from this quiz may suit your situation better:
- Larger Shot (No. 6-8), Open Choke (IC/Modified): for upland bird hunting
- Small Shot (No. 4-6), Extra Full Choke: for turkey hunting
Hunting regulations, legal calibers, shot types and seasons are set by your state or country, and they change. Check the current rules and take a hunter education course before you hunt.
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
Why is lead shot illegal for waterfowl?
Lead shot ingested by waterfowl (mistaken for food or grit) causes lead poisoning, leading to a federal ban on lead shot for waterfowl hunting in the US since the early 1990s -- non-toxic alternatives like steel, bismuth, and tungsten are required instead.
Does steel shot need a different choke than lead?
Often yes to some degree -- steel patterns and performs differently than lead due to density differences, so many manufacturers offer steel-specific choke recommendations, and pattern-testing your specific combination is worthwhile.
Should goose loads be different from duck loads?
Often yes -- geese are larger and tougher than most ducks, so many hunters step up shot size or choose denser non-toxic shot materials (like tungsten) for goose hunting specifically.
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