#4 Shot

Also called: number 4, No. 4

A strong all-around size for turkeys, late-season pheasants, and, in steel, ducks at moderate range.

Diagram of a #4 Shot pellet drawn enlarged against the outlines of other shot sizes — Simplified diagram: the pellet is drawn enlarged, with the other shot sizes as dashed outlines at the same scale. Diameters and pellet counts are nominal and vary by maker.

Type: Shot Sizes
Pellet diameter: About 0.13 inch (3.3 mm)
Pellets per ounce (lead): About 135
Typical range: Up to about 40 yards
Used for: Turkey, Upland birds, Ducks & geese

Safety: If you shoot steel #4 for ducks, use a choke rated for steel and follow your shotgun's manual.

What it is good for

Turkeys with dense lead or nonlead loads.
Late-season pheasants.
Ducks in steel at moderate range.

Where it falls short

Too heavy for small upland birds, where it can damage meat.
Fewer pellets, so it needs tight chokes for a useful pattern.
Light for geese.

Tips

Steel shot is lighter than lead, so hunters often go up one or two sizes with steel to get similar knockdown.
Use a choke rated for the shot material you are firing.

Works well with

Steel Shot: required for waterfowl, and a common use for this size.
Modified Choke: a safe and effective choice with steel at moderate range.

Field notes

Number 4 shot is a good compromise when a load has to cover turkeys, pheasants, and some ducks. It carries more energy than the lighter sizes.

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.

← All shot sizes and chokes