Field Guide / Shot Sizes & Chokes
BB Shot
Also called: BB, double-B
A big pellet for geese and large ducks at longer range, and for some predator and turkey loads with dense shot.
- Type
- Shot Sizes
- Pellet diameter
- About 0.18 inch (4.6 mm)
- Pellets per ounce (lead)
- About 50
- Typical range
- Up to about 45 to 50 yards
- Used for
- Ducks & geese, Turkey
Safety: Waterfowl shot must be nonlead where required. Use a choke rated for the shot you are firing.
What it is good for
- Geese and large ducks, especially with steel.
- Longer-range waterfowl shots over decoys.
- Predators at moderate range, where legal.
Where it falls short
- Few pellets, so shots must be well placed.
- Too large for small game.
- Heavy recoil in magnum loads.
Tips
- Pattern with your exact load, since the pellet count is low.
- Steel shot is lighter than lead, so hunters often go up one or two sizes with steel to get similar knockdown.
Works well with
- Steel Shot: the common waterfowl material in this size.
- Improved Modified Choke: a tight choke used with heavy waterfowl loads, if rated for the shot.
Field notes
BB shot is a goose size. It keeps its energy at range, but the low pellet count means a clean pattern and careful aim matter.
Related guides
Pellet counts, patterns, and ranges are typical figures, not guarantees. Pattern your own shotgun with your own loads at the distances you hunt, and follow the shotgun manual for which shells and chokes are safe. Nonlead shot rules and legal shot types differ by state and area; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations.