Migra Ammunition’s Staxd Shotshells: The Ultimate Non-Toxic Solution for Waterfowl and Dove Hunting

Migra Ammunition: Revolutionizing Waterfowl with Patented Stacked Load Technology

When every shot matters and hunting conditions shift on a dime, innovation is the key to success. Enter Migra Ammunition, a trailblazer in the shotgun shell industry that’s redefining performance with its patented Stacked Load Technology. For hunters seeking the best stacked shotshells for waterfowl hunting or high-performance dove hunting ammo, Migra offers versatile, non-toxic solutions that deliver unmatched efficiency and ethical results. Since its founding in 2019, this South Carolina-based brand has skyrocketed from a garage startup to an industry disruptor, blending cutting-edge design with the real-world needs of hunters.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the Migra Ammunition story, showcase their flagship products, break down the science behind their Staxd loads, and share insights from field-tested reviews. Whether you’re a waterfowler chasing mallards at dawn or a dove hunter stacking limits on opening day, discover why Migra stacked ammunition is hailed as the most diverse and efficient line of shotshells on the market.

The Inspiring Origins of Migra Ammunition: From Garage Prototype to Hunting Essential

Every revolutionary brand starts somewhere, and Migra Ammunition began in 2019 in Anderson, South Carolina. Picture founder Drew McIntosh tinkering in his mother’s garage, frustrated by the limitations of traditional shotgun shells during his waterfowl hunts. A warehouse machinery salesman by day, Drew’s passion for pursuing migratory birds—like ducks and geese—led him to experiment with hand-loaded prototypes. With mentorship from local ammo expert Don, he developed early versions of the Staxd stacked load, funded by a few thousand dollars gathered from friends and family.

The name “Migra” nods to “migration,” reflecting the spirit of the game birds that define waterfowl and dove seasons. The name sparked during a casual social gathering and solidified in a late-night gym session fueled by grit. The turning point came when Drew, expecting his first child, quit his day job to bet everything on this bold idea. “It wasn’t planned as a business—it grew organically from what hunters demanded,” Drew shared in a candid origins video.

From those humble beginnings, Migra exploded through social media buzz and word-of-mouth among hunters. By 2020, they were shipping nationwide, partnering with outfitters and ambassadors like custom gun maker Rob Roberts. A move to Charleston for family reasons didn’t slow their momentum—it fueled growth. Today, under CEO Mark Regalbuto’s leadership, with his decades of industry expertise, Migra maintains small-batch production for quality control while scaling to meet demand. Their tight-knit team lives and breathes hunting culture, declaring, “We’re here to build a community around this brand.”

This Migra Ammunition history is more than a feel-good story—it’s proof of grassroots innovation. In a world of mass-produced ammo, Migra’s hunter-driven approach makes them a top choice for affordable non-toxic shotgun shells that rival premium loads. As Drew notes, “It’s changed my life, my family’s life, and our employees’ lives.” For hunters tired of generic shells, Migra’s story hits home: real people solving real problems in the field.

Unpacking the Patented Staxd Technology: Why Stacked Loads Are a Hunter’s Dream

The core of Migra Ammunition is its patented Stacked Load Technology—branded “Staxd”—a breakthrough that combines two shot sizes in a single shell for unmatched versatility. Forget the cliché of “two birds with one stone”; Migra makes it reality. Unlike traditional duplex loads that mix shot sizes horizontally (e.g., 20% smaller over 80% larger), Staxd stacks a layer of larger shot up front, followed by smaller pellets behind, optimized with precise percentages to reduce friction and shorten the shot string by up to 30%.

This isn’t recycled tech—it’s a fusion of defense industry precision and waterfowl hunting expertise. Larger forward pellets (like #2 steel) lead for long-range penetration, while smaller trailing ones (#4 or #3) spread for dense patterns on closer flushes. The result? Tighter groupings at 40-60 yards, sustained energy in harsh conditions, and 30-40% cleaner kills, per hunter reports. Migra designs every component in-house: custom wads, powders tuned for modern shotguns (Benelli, Beretta, inertia-driven systems), and even suppressor compatibility.

Key benefits of Migra Staxd technology include:

• Versatility for Variable Conditions: One shell handles near and far shots, perfect for chaotic dove fields or decoy spreads.
• Non-Toxic Compliance: All steel or blended options meet wetland regulations, with tungsten and bismuth variants for lead-free performance.
• Consistency Across Batches: Vertically integrated production ensures uniform velocities (1,425-1,515 fps) and patterns, no matter the weather.
• Efficiency on the Hunt: Fewer shells to carry, faster reloads—ideal for mobile setups like boat ramps or field blinds.

Built for the modern waterfowl hunter, Staxd aligns with advancements in gun design: wider forcing cones, adjustable chokes, and gas systems that demand ammo that performs seamlessly. Migra’s claim as the “epitome of efficiency” holds up, proven from coast to coast.

Exploring Migra’s Product Lineup: Tailored Shotshells for Every Pursuit

Migra keeps its focus tight yet diverse, specializing in 12-gauge stacked shotshells for upland and waterfowl, with options in 2¾-inch and 3-inch magnum for 12 and 20 gauge. Their lineup prioritizes non-toxic hunting ammunition, designed for everything from dove and field hunting to late-season goose chases. Here’s a look at their standout products:

Waterfowl Warriors

Migra’s core offering: Waterfowl stacked ammunition built for ducks, geese, and pintails in decoys or pass shots.

• 1-3 Staxd Steel (3-inch, 1⅛ oz, 1,515 fps): #1 lead pellets forward, #3 trailing—lethal at 50-60 yards. Excels in thin-air hunts (e.g., Utah elevations), drawing feathers like a magnet. Hunters call it a “game-changer” for mallards, with energy retention above 600 fps at 40 yards.
• 2-4 Staxd Steel (3-inch, 1¼ oz, 1,425 fps): The original flagship. Combines #2 and #4 for versatile duck/goose performance; patterns 160+ hits in full chokes. Dropped Canada geese at 35 yards in Alberta winds.
• 2-5 Staxd Tungsten/Steel Blend: A premium choice for tough late-season birds. Tungsten matrix #2 up front with steel #5 behind—often sold out due to demand. Delivers bismuth-like performance at steel prices.

All shells feature distinctive white hulls for branding (and easy cleanup in blinds), with custom loads like 3-5 tungsten for extreme range.

Field-Tested Performance: What Hunters and Experts Say About Migra Ammo

Migra backs its claims with rigorous testing “from coast to coast,” but real-world reviews tell the full story. In a Wildfowl Magazine shotshell review, the 2-4 Staxd earned praise for waterfowl: consistent 1,425 fps velocities, dense patterns (75% at 40 yards), and clean kills on ducks and geese within ethical ranges. Strengths include lethal energy without pattern disruption; the drawback is a drop-off beyond 55 yards, requiring precise shots—fair for premium loads.

Hunters on forums and YouTube echo the hype. A two-season ShotKam review showcased tight spreads and fewer misses on flushing teal, dubbing it “revolutionary for stacked shells.” Reddit users rave about performance (“shot great”) but note the premium price for steel-based loads. On OpticsPlanet, Migra Ammunition reviews average 4.5 stars, with praise for dove hunting stacked loads reducing recoil while boosting hits.

Some critiques? White hulls can clutter blinds, per Tennessee forums, but the consensus is clear: Migra waterfowl ammo reviews highlight 30% fewer cripples and exceptional long-range lethality. Outfitters in Alberta and Utah swear by the 1-3 for windy, high-altitude hunts—feathers flying, birds dropping stone-cold.

In short, Migra stacked shotshell reviews confirm: This is ammo crafted by hunters, for hunters, delivering high-value performance in non-toxic dove and waterfowl shells.

Why Migra Ammunition Stands Out: Benefits for the Modern Hunter

Choosing Migra Ammunition means smarter hunting. For eco-conscious shooters, their lead-free stacked technology complies with regulations while matching toxic loads in knockdown power. Budget hunters appreciate the value—steel options under $1 per shell—without sacrificing R&D. For pros, the versatility reduces kit weight, letting you focus on the hunt, not the haul.

Target audience: Waterfowlers decoying mallards, dove enthusiasts in Texas fields, or upland chasers in the Midwest. Migra’s community-building—through podcasts with Mark Regalbuto and ambassador hunts—builds loyalty. Looking forward? Plans for more gauges and alloys, all rooted in that garage-born grit.

Final Thoughts: Load Up with Migra and Elevate Your Hunt

Migra Ammunition isn’t just about shells—it’s a movement toward efficient, effective hunting. From Drew McIntosh’s garage epiphany to Mark Regalbuto’s leadership, their story embodies innovation born of necessity. With patented Staxd stacked load technology, products like the 1-3 and 2-4 deliver the best waterfowl hunting shotshells and dove field ammo available, backed by glowing reviews and proven results.

Ready to experience “two birds with one stone”? Shop at www.dnwoutdoors.com to grab a box of Migra stacked ammunition and Migra Swag and and join the migration.