Field Guide / Shot Sizes & Chokes
#2 Shot
Also called: number 2, No. 2
A larger pellet for ducks and geese, especially in steel, and for coyotes at close range.
- Type
- Shot Sizes
- Pellet diameter
- About 0.15 inch (3.8 mm)
- Pellets per ounce (lead)
- About 87
- Typical range
- Up to about 40 to 45 yards
- Used for
- Ducks & geese, Turkey
Safety: Waterfowl shot must be nonlead where required. Use a choke rated for steel and follow your shotgun's manual.
What it is good for
- Ducks and geese with steel or other nonlead shot.
- Large ducks and geese over decoys.
- Predators such as coyotes at close range, where legal.
Where it falls short
- Few pellets per ounce, so patterns are open and need the right choke.
- Too large for small game and upland birds.
- More recoil with heavy magnum loads.
Tips
- Pattern your gun with the exact shell you plan to use.
- Check that your shell and choke are legal and safe for your area.
Works well with
- BB Shot: the larger size usually chosen for geese.
- Steel Shot: a common material in this size for waterfowl.
Field notes
Number 2 steel is a common duck load. It carries enough energy to reach a bird at moderate range while keeping a fair pellet count.
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.