If you've checked waterfowl hunting regulations, you've probably noticed that using lead shot for waterfowl is prohibited by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under federal law, you have to use lead-free non-toxic shot when hunting for ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. There are also states that require lead-free non-toxic ammunition for all hunting, including small game and big game. Certain states that don't prohibit the use of lead ammo for most game hunting may have certain protected areas of states where specific hunts require non-lead ammunition. Non-toxic ammo can be found in shotshells, rifle ammunition, shotgun shells loaded with slugs, even muzzleloading projectiles for blackpowder firearms.
Toxic ammunition is defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as any containing more than 1 percent lead. Copper-jacketed ammo is still considered toxic since the jacket is still over lead bullets or lead pellets. States may have their own definitions of what constitutes non-toxic ammo, but it usually falls within those federal definitions.
To manufacture ammunition that is as effective as traditional ammo but still non-lead, companies use various other metals that are non-toxic but still have similar performance. You'll find lead-free ammo made from materials like bismuth, tungsten, steel shot, polymer, solid copper bullets, and this technology is evolving all the time. Although there are differences in non-lead vs. lead bullet ballistics, most shooters find these differences to be negligible and even see improved performance with certain loads.
These days, there are an increasing number of hunters who have no legal obligation to use non-toxic ammunition choosing to do so to avoid lead contamination in the wild game they intend to eat. Some hunters are concerned about contributing to inadvertent lead poisoning in eagles, condors, and other raptors. This is why non-toxic shotgun ammunition (and rifle ammunition in some areas) is required. Scavengers like condors and many other birds of prey will feed on the carcasses of downed game, and lead fragments are left behind in the meat. Ingesting lead by animals or people is very unhealthy, and when it accumulates in the body over time it will cause permanent and irreversible lead poisoning.
Shop at OpticsPlanet.com for non-toxic ammo and lead-free ammo. We carry the best brands like, HEVI-Shot, Federal Premium, Nosler, Winchester, and many more! Learn more about hunting, shooting sports, and a whole bunch of other outdoor subjects in our How-To Guides and Articles. Have questions? Reach out anytime and contact us!
Other products you may be interested in: Ammo In Stock Now, Shotgun Ammunition, Rifle Ammunition, Handgun Ammo, and Rimfire Ammo.
Click here for answers to Ammo Buying Frequently Asked Questions, and for more information check out our State of the Ammunition Industry page.
Check out some of our other top ammo for sale - 9 mm ammo, 300 Blackout ammo, 6.5 Grendel ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 5.56 ammo & 10mm ammo.
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
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Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Get a $5 rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 16th, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Get a $2.50 rebate when this product is purchased by December 1st, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Get a $2.50 rebate when this product is purchased by December 1st, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
This item is currently on sale and has a new, lower price! See more Barnes Ammunition items on sale
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Get a $2 rebate when this product is purchased by December 31st, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by January 31st, 2026. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
This item is currently on sale and has a new, lower price! See more Winchester Ammunition items on sale
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Get a $5 rebate when this product is purchased by December 31st, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by January 16th, 2026. Download the rebate form or see details
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model!
Our customers have spoken – this is one of the best rated products in the Ammunition category! See more best rated Ammunition products
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter the coupon for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. See promotion details.
Get a 20% rebate when this product is purchased by November 30th, 2025 and the rebate form is postmarked by December 31st, 2025. Download the rebate form or see details
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