About Hevi-Metal
Hevi-Metal represents over 25 years of innovation in non-toxic waterfowl ammunition, developed by HEVI-Shot as a premium tungsten-steel blend solution.
The brand originated from Dr. Darrel Amik's founding of HEVI-Shot in 1999-2000, when he pioneered tungsten-based ammunition after lead was banned for waterfowl hunting.
Dr. Amik, an engineering specialist in ballistics and metallurgy, spent over a year developing proprietary alloy mixtures using tungsten and other metals to outperform steel shot.
The company became the first to successfully blend tungsten with other metals for cost-effective premium ammunition, establishing market leadership that continues today.
Now part of The Kinetic Group alongside Federal, Remington, CCI, and Speer, Hevi-Metal remains at the forefront of non-lead pellet technology for serious waterfowl hunters.
Popular Hevi-Metal Features
Tungsten-Steel Blend Technology
- Combines heavy tungsten pellets with steel for cost-effective performance that outperforms steel-only loads while remaining more economical than pure tungsten.
Superior Density Performance
- Tungsten pellets are 53.8% denser than steel, providing double the downrange energy and allowing hunters to drop down 3 shot sizes for 28% more pellets on target.
FliteControl Flex Wad Technology
- Advanced wad system in Xtreme line delivers improved pattern consistency, reduced shot string, and better pellet organization downrange.
Non-Toxic Construction
- 100% lead-free formulation meets all federal and state non-toxic shot requirements while remaining environmentally safe for waterfowl habitat.
Extended Range Capability
- Tungsten content provides superior penetration and maintains lethal energy at longer distances compared to traditional steel ammunition.
Pattern Density Optimization
- Steel pellets add pellet count and pattern density while tungsten pellets deliver the knockdown power for clean, ethical kills.
Best-Selling Hevi-Metal Products
Hevi-Metal Xtreme
- Features 30% 12 g/cc tungsten and 70% steel with FliteControl Flex wad technology for maximum pattern performance and downrange energy.
Hevi-Metal Longer Range
- Contains 30% 9.6 g/cc bismuth and 70% steel blend designed specifically for extended distance waterfowl shooting scenarios.
12 Gauge 3" Loads
- Popular configuration offering velocities from 1400-1550 fps in shot sizes BB through 4 for versatile waterfowl hunting applications.
12 Gauge 3.5" Magnum Loads
- Maximum power option delivering 1 3/8 oz payloads at high velocities for late season geese and challenging long-range situations.
20 Gauge Options
- Lighter gauge loads maintaining the tungsten-steel advantage for hunters using smaller frame shotguns without sacrificing performance.
BBB and BB Shot Sizes
- Large pellet options specifically designed for goose hunting, providing maximum penetration through heavy feathers and thick down.
Size 2 and 3 Duck Loads
- Versatile pellet sizes offering optimal balance of pattern density and individual pellet energy for most duck hunting situations.
Popular Uses for Hevi-Metal
Waterfowl Hunting
- Primary application for ducks, geese, and other waterfowl where non-toxic ammunition is required and superior performance over steel is desired.
Late Season Hunting
- Ideal for heavily feathered birds that require extra penetration power to ensure clean, ethical kills in challenging conditions.
Long Range Shooting
- Extended distance waterfowl situations where tungsten content maintains lethal energy and pattern integrity beyond steel shot capabilities.
Sea Duck Hunting
- Tough diving ducks like eiders and scoters that demand maximum penetration through dense feather protection and thick body mass.
High Wind Conditions
- Crosswind hunting scenarios where heavier tungsten pellets maintain trajectory better than lighter steel pellets for consistent performance.
Hevi-Metal FAQs
QUESTION: What choke tubes work best with Hevi-Metal ammunition?
ANSWER: Modified and Improved Cylinder chokes work well, along with specialized waterfowl chokes like Patternmaster, with velocity limitations typically at 1550 fps maximum.
QUESTION: How does Hevi-Metal compare to steel shot for waterfowl hunting?
ANSWER: Hevi-Metal provides double the downrange energy of steel and allows dropping down 3 shot sizes while delivering 28% more pellets on target.
QUESTION: Is Hevi-Metal ammunition safe for all shotgun barrels?
ANSWER: Yes, Hevi-Metal is safe for all modern shotgun barrels and meets all federal and state non-toxic shot requirements.
QUESTION: What shot sizes are available in Hevi-Metal loads?
ANSWER: Hevi-Metal is available in shot sizes BB, BBB, 1, 2, 3, and 4 to cover various waterfowl hunting applications.
QUESTION: How much does Hevi-Metal cost compared to other waterfowl ammunition?
ANSWER: Hevi-Metal is priced between steel and premium tungsten loads, offering superior performance at a more economical price than pure tungsten.
QUESTION: What gauge options are available for Hevi-Metal shotshells?
ANSWER: Hevi-Metal is available in both 12 gauge and 20 gauge configurations with various shell lengths and payload weights.
QUESTION: Does Hevi-Metal work well for goose hunting?
ANSWER: Yes, Hevi-Metal excels for goose hunting, especially in BBB and BB shot sizes for maximum penetration through heavy feathers.
QUESTION: What makes Hevi-Metal Xtreme different from regular Hevi-Metal?
ANSWER: Hevi-Metal Xtreme features FliteControl Flex wad technology for improved pattern consistency and contains 30% 12 g/cc tungsten for maximum performance.
QUESTION: Can I use Hevi-Metal for duck and goose combo hunts?
ANSWER: Yes, Hevi-Metal provides versatile performance suitable for targeting both ducks and geese in combo hunting situations.
QUESTION: Where can I buy Hevi-Metal waterfowl ammunition?
ANSWER: Hevi-Metal is widely available at sporting goods retailers, online dealers, and ammunition specialty stores in 25-round boxes and bulk cases.
