Definition

Noun: - Small lead pellets for shotgun shells: "Duck shot" refers to a specific size of lead pellets, or small spherical projectiles, designed to be loaded into shotgun shells. This type of shot is traditionally used for hunting waterfowl, such as ducks, due to its effective range and pattern.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The hunter loaded his shotgun with duck shot before heading to the marsh. (The hunter loaded his shotgun with small lead pellets for hunting waterfowl before heading to the marsh.)
  • For hunting smaller birds at a distance, duck shot is often preferred over larger buckshot. (For hunting smaller birds at a distance, small lead pellets are often preferred over larger pellets.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pattern of duck shot": This phrase refers to the spread or distribution of the pellets after the shotgun is fired.
  • A tight pattern of duck shot is more effective for longer-range shots. (A tight spread of small lead pellets is more effective for longer-range shots.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shot (n): A general term for the collective small pellets fired from a shotgun shell.
• Buckshot (n): A larger size of lead shot typically used for hunting larger game, such as deer.
• Birdshot (n): A category of small-sized shot used for hunting birds; duck shot is a specific type within this category.
• Lead shot (n): Pellets made from lead, though modern alternatives like steel shot are now common due to environmental regulations.

Synonyms

• Birdshot: Small pellets for hunting birds.
• Small-gauge shot: A less common term referring to shot of a smaller diameter.

Important Note

In modern usage, especially in regions with environmental protections, traditional lead duck shot is often prohibited for waterfowl hunting to prevent lead poisoning in waterways. Steel shot or other non-toxic alternatives are now the standard when referring to ammunition for duck hunting. Therefore, "duck shot" in a contemporary context frequently implies these non-toxic pellets, not necessarily lead.

Noun

1. small lead shot for shotgun shells