Best Gauges for Hunting King Eider: Comparisons & Picks
Sea-duck-tough gauge choices for big, armored birds in cold, salty conditions.
If you’re planning a king eider hunt, choosing the right hunting gauges matters more than almost anything. These sea ducks are big, heavily feathered, and often taken over choppy water. Below we compare practical gauge options—12, 20, 10, 16, and 28 gauge—and explain loads, ranges, and recoil so you can pick confidently. Notes include non-toxic shot requirements for waterfowl, safety, and ethical shot placement.
Caliber Comparisons
| Feature | 12 gauge | 20 gauge | 10 gauge | 16 gauge | 28 gauge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recoil How much kick you can expect when firing. |
Moderate–stout (varies by load) | Moderate | Heavy | Moderate | Light–moderate (heavier with magnum/TSS) |
| Effective Range The distance at which the gauge remains effective with appropriate waterfowl loads. |
Up to ~45 yards with steel; ~50 with bismuth/TSS | ~35–40 yards with bismuth; ~35 with steel | ~50 yards with large steel/bismuth payloads | ~35–40 yards with bismuth | ~30–35 yards, best with TSS on decoying birds |
| Shot Charge (Typical) Common payloads for sea-duck work. |
1–1⅜ oz steel; 1–1¼ oz bismuth | ⅞–1 oz steel; 1–1⅛ oz bismuth | 1⅜–1¾ oz steel/bismuth | 1–1⅛ oz bismuth | ¾–1 oz; often TSS for penetration |
| Versatility Use across other waterfowl & upland hunts. |
High | High | Medium (specialized) | Medium | Medium (niche but growing with TSS) |
| Ammo Availability How easy it is to find ammunition. |
High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
12 Gauge
The all-around sea-duck hammer. With proper non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth, or TSS), 12 gauge balances payload, pattern density, and manageable recoil for king eiders in harsh weather.
Pros
- Wide load selection (steel, bismuth, TSS) and pellet sizes (BB–#2)
- Strong pattern density for tough, feather-armored birds
- Common guns and chokes; easy to find parts/accessories
Cons
- Heavier gun and shells to haul in boats or on rocks
- Recoil can be stout with magnum sea-duck loads
- Steel requires closer shots vs. denser bismuth/TSS
Interesting Fact: Many modern 12-gauge waterfowl loads are engineered for cold performance, keeping powders consistent in arctic conditions.
Consider this Caliber If…
You want the most practical, available, and forgiving option for big sea ducks from layout boats or rock ledges, with flexibility from #2 steel to BB bismuth/TSS.
20 Gauge
Surprisingly capable with modern non-toxic shot. Bismuth and TSS help a 20 gauge deliver ethical patterns on close-to-mid-range king eiders while trimming weight and recoil.
Pros
- Lighter guns and softer recoil for long, cold days
- With bismuth/TSS, patterns carry well to ~40 yards
- Great for smaller-stature shooters or layered winter clothing
Cons
- Steel payloads are lighter; keep shots reasonable
- Ammo selection narrower than 12 gauge
- Demands tighter choke/load matching to maintain density
Interesting Fact: Bismuth pellets are denser than steel, allowing smaller shot sizes to penetrate better at sea-duck ranges.
Consider this Caliber If…
You value lighter recoil and carry weight, hunt decoying birds, and plan to shoot quality bismuth or TSS loads.
10 Gauge
The traditional heavy hauler. For big birds and wind, 10 gauge throws large payloads that pattern hard, making it a specialized but confident choice for far-side edges of ethical range.
Pros
- Hefty steel/bismuth payloads for dense patterns
- Stays effective in stiff wind and salt spray
- Excellent with larger pellets (BB, BBB) when appropriate
Cons
- Heavy guns and heavy recoil
- Limited ammo and firearm availability
- Overkill for close decoying birds; slower follow-ups
Interesting Fact: While less common today, 10-gauge remains favored by some sea-duck guides for big water and tough late-season birds.
Consider this Caliber If…
You prioritize maximum payload and pattern density for longer, wind-pushed shots and don’t mind weight or recoil.
16 Gauge
A classic in the middle—capable and smooth-shooting, especially with modern bismuth. Not as common as 12/20, but it patterns beautifully for decoying sea ducks.
Pros
- Balanced handling and recoil
- Bismuth brings performance close to 12-gauge steel
- Nostalgic appeal with modern effectiveness
Cons
- Less ammo variety; may be harder to source
- Steel loads are limited vs. 12/20
- Best kept to decoy distances
Interesting Fact: Many 16-gauge loads are now offered in bismuth, giving new life to older doubles and pumps with proper chokes.
Consider this Caliber If…
You love classic shotguns, hunt over close spreads, and can source bismuth loads that pattern well from your gun.
28 Gauge
Niche but viable with modern TSS and careful shot selection. Keep it close and clean on decoying eiders, and pair with the right choke to maintain pattern density.
Pros
- Very light recoil and lively handling
- TSS pellets provide surprising penetration
- Great for controlled, close-in shots over the blocks
Cons
- Smaller payload; pattern management is critical
- Premium TSS is expensive and sometimes scarce
- Limited margin for error in wind and swell
Interesting Fact: Because TSS is extremely dense, smaller shot sizes can carry energy comparable to much larger steel pellets—helpful for tight 28-gauge patterns.
Consider this Caliber If…
You’re an experienced shotgunner focused on close decoy work, willing to pattern TSS loads carefully, and hunting in calmer windows.
Final Tips & Ethics
Use non-toxic shot (federal requirement for waterfowl), match choke to your load, and pattern your gun before the trip. Keep shots inside the ranges where your payload holds tight patterns and penetrates cleanly; recover downed birds quickly in cold, moving water. Always practice safe gun handling in boats and on slippery rock, and verify local regulations (season dates, shell limits, shot types) for your destination.